A RUGBY player from Sussex has suffered a horrific injury while playing in France.

James Lasis, 25, is said to be in a “serious condition” after injuring his neck while playing for Stade Nicois.

Lasis, who was born in Haywards Heath and went to Brighton College, suffered a cervical dislocation after a scrum collapsed.

He underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering in intensive care.

His family has received messages of support from throughout the rugby community.

Harlequins tweeted: “We are praying for our former academy player James Lasis who suffered a serious injury playing in France last weekend.

"Keep fighting James.”

Lasis was playing in a Nationale match against RC Narbonnais when he was injured in the 73rd minute.

He was on the ground was 20 minutes before being removed from the pitch on a stretcher and taken straight to hospital.

Messages of support are now being passed onto him by his friend Pablo Salandria Ruiz, 31.

Bernard Laporte, the president of French rugby, tweeted: “The French rugby family gives their full support to James Lasis, a Stade Nicois player who is currently hospitalised, as well as to his relative and teammates.

"We join our thoughts in the hope of his good recovery.”

Wellwishers have also joined together in listening to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond in support of the young sportsman.