The rugby community in Sussex have sent messages of support to a player on life support after she suffered a serious brain injury during a match.

Lory Mortley, 41, was playing for Lewes Rugby Football Club’s women’s team against Aylseford Bulls in Kent when she suffered the injury and was taken to Kings Hospital in London to receive treatment.

Her family have been at her bedside during the week.

Lory, originally from New York, studied at the University of Brighton and plays for Lewes in the National Challenge South East South One league.

The incident happened on Sunday, September 15, when the Sussex women’s team travelled to Kent.

Neither club wished to make a comment, but several Sussex rugby clubs are standing shoulder-to-shoulder in support of Lory, her family and her team-mates at the Stanley Turner Ground.

Robin Ward, Hove RFC’s vice captain, said: “I wish Lory a full and speedy recovery and if there’s anything Hove can do to help the familyor Lewes RFC, we’d happily do it.

“When things like this happen you see the whole rugby community pull together and I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club by saying I hope to see her back involved in the game as quickly as possible. It’s extremely rare to have such a serious injury in rugby which is why everyone is so shocked.”

Keiron Dawson, head coach at Worthing RFC, said: “The club wishes her and her family all the best and we really hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.

“We’re sure Lewes are offering the family and team-mates all the support they can, and we hope they keep us informed of her progress.”

Sarah Fry, Haywards Heath club secretary, said: “Haywards Heath would like to send their best wishes to Lory and her family at what we’re sure is a very difficult time.

“All of us here at the club are hoping she makes a full and speedy recovery.”

Jon Burnett, Eastbourne Ladies’ former coach, said: “It’s just dreadful when you hear about things like this and on behalf of everyone at Eastbourne Rugby Club I wish her all the best.

“We are due to play them on Sunday, and if there’s anything we can do in support of them then we’ll definitely do that. I wouldn’t want this to deter anyone from playing rugby because although it’s a tough game this really is so rare. We just hope she makes a full recovery.”

The women train twice a week at Lewes RFC in preparation for their games on Sundays.

Brighton RFC’s chairman Steve Morris said: “Clearly we wish her well and we hope her recovery goes well.

“If there’s anything we can do as a club then I hope Lewes know they can turn to us.

“Anything at all we can do to sup- port, we’d me more than happy to.”

Alex Steele, chairman of Pullborough RFC, said: “We’ve got a burgeoning girls and ladies section that has just started this year so it’s something that is very close to our hearts.

“Lory, her family and all at Lewes RFC have our full support.”

Bob Granville, secretary of Seaford RFC, said: “Whenever a player gets injured it’s always a concern to any club.

“We at Seaford certainly wish Lory a healthy recovery, and her family and her teammates all the support there is to give.”

Mark Norris, chairman of Seaford RFC, said: “I hope it all goes well for her and her family and everyone at Seaford really do wish her a full and speedy recovery.”