Rugby: Club player reportedly collapses, resuscitated by wife on field at Silverdale

A Massey club rugby player has reportedly collapsed and been resuscitated by his wife - among others - during an U85s game at Silverdale.

Witnesses have told NZME the man suffered a head knock in a tackle and collapsed soon after. His wife - an Intensive Care Unit nurse - was one of the first on the scene to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and apply a defibrillator.

"The ref called half-time early because of the event and they ended moving the game into a different field, so that the play could continue," said Silverdale supporter Nicci Budler.

"There was then talk that he had a heart attack, so someone ran to the rugby club to get a defibrillator, while another person was giving him CPR."

Hato Hone St John has told NZME two rapid response units and an ambulance were dispatched to the incident about 3:30pm Saturday.

"Our crews assessed and treated one patient, who was transported to Auckland hospital in a critical condition," said a spokesperson.

Last month, rugby player Cory Heather died after suffering a head knock during a game between Beachlands Maraetai and Patumāhoe.

"Obviously, what happened was hard to see and it left spectators stunned, especially with the Beachlands incident from two weeks ago still fresh on minds," said Budler.