Power of Caring
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Hopeful of recovery

Paralyzed Tongan goes to New Zealand hospital

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Posted: Monday March 08, 1999 12:24 PM

The extent of Pita Tanginoa's injuries isn't yet known. Laurence Griffiths/Allsport

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga (Reuters) -- Tongan center Pita Tanginoa will be flown to a New Zealand hospital on Tuesday for assessment of spinal injuries suffered in last weekend's World Cup trial match against Georgia.

Tanginoa was left unconscious after taking a heavy tackle and falling beneath several players in Saturday's match.

Doctor 'Aisake Takau of Vaiola Hospital told Radio Tonga on Monday that Tanginoa had been partially paralyzed but the extent of his injury could not be determined at Vaiola.

Takau said he was optimistic about the player's recovery. Tanginoa is to be taken to Auckland Hospital.

 

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