Club captain Gareth Lang has spoken to him and says that he "has been through some shoulder pops as a player and he will draw on that strength to recover back to full fitness as he has in the past. He is a very caring and affecting friend".

Team mate and close friend Joe Mawdesley added "He's the most personable and popular lad I know and is really well liked by everyone at the rugby club. He is woven into the fabric of Southport RFC and I haven't been off the phone since the news broke telling people how he is and updating him on his condition. Everyone is wishing him well and are desperate to see him about the club again."

The club has offered Jack whatever meaningful moral support we can through Gareth and Joe, and I'm told he has already been inundated with messages and visitors.

Gareth advises this morning that Jack has recovered quite well and will be out in around 10 days. Good news in the circumstances and we send Jack and his family all our very best wishes.