Swinton star Will Hope left furious after suffering horror injury

Swinton forward Will Hope waited for three hours for an ambulance with serious leg injuries he picked up in Sunday’s Championship game at Sheffield.

The Ireland international suffered a broken leg, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments when in a tackle within less than a minute of the game starting.

When an ambulance didn’t arrive, Hope said he was carried by his team-mates onto their coach which took him to hospital.

Hope tweeted: “To be treated like that, with my foot facing the wrong way for up to five hours because I ‘wasn’t a priority’ is disgusting and I wouldn’t wish that pain on my worst enemy.

“I cannot describe the agony I was in and the anger I still feel about the whole situation.

“If it wasn’t for everyone at Swinton Lions, I’d probably still be laying on that stretcher in the corridor waiting for an ambulance.

“I’m sure if it was a Super League game, it would be different. It’s actually laughable how bad it’s become.

“The whole of Swinton Lions and Sheffield Eagles have been fantastic, I can’t thank them enough. As well as everyone at Salford Royal Hospital – they’ve been brilliant.”

Regarding the issue, an RFL spokesperson said: “The RFL was contacted by Swinton on Monday regarding the circumstances surrounding Will Hope’s injury and has noted the player’s comments on social media – firstly, we send him our sympathy for suffering such an injury in the first match of the season and wish him all the best in his recovery.

“We have contacted Sheffield Eagles for an explanation of the circumstances as they have been reported.

“While the delay before the arrival of an ambulance is beyond the control of the club, we have strict medical standards for all fixtures relating to personnel and facilities, with at least one doctor required to be present, and to be supported by the medical staff of each team.”