Warrior Will targets role as defence commander

STROKE victim Will Hurrell aims to forge a new career in coaching after revealing how his life might have been in danger had he continued playing for Bristol.

- NEALE HARVEY

Hurrell, 30, admits to being devastated at having to call time on his playing days after suffering a serious head knock against Leicester in early January – a whiplash-style injury that left him hospitalised, unable to speak, see properly or stand up.

However, with a young daughter to care for and the promise of a long and fulfilling life ahead as he continues towards a full recovery, the former Stourbridge, Coventry and Doncaster centre is adopting a typically bullish approach while plotting a new career.

Recounting the chilling nature of his injury, Hurrell said: “I was pumped-up ahead of the Leicester game and really glad to be starting because I was hoping to put myself back in the picture for Bristol over the rest of a successful season.

“I started pretty well, too, but then I just came off the line to try and melt one of their second rows, he stepped at the last minute and I got my head caught on the wrong side.

“Initially I felt okay but after I came off, I just disintegrated. I couldn’t speak, the sweat was pouring off me and I had a really bad headache. By the time I got to hospital I was throwing up everywhere and I couldn’t remember anything or even walk properly.

“The top right quadrant of my vision was completely gone so I ended up being hospitalised for a couple of days while things settled down. The specialist later described it as a whiplash injury where the back of my brain smashed against the skull.”