Rugby challenge aids Cathedral Catholic student

The Team Ronan Rugby Challenge was held June 9 at Cathedral Catholic High School to raise funds for Ronan Nelson, 16, a Cathedral sophomore who was critically injured in a club rugby match April 7.

Ronan was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where surgery was performed to repair his broken neck. Subsequent strokes from blood clots formed from the injury, which caused health issues. Ronan was eventually transferred to Sharp Memorial Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation, where he continues his effort to regain normal function.

The Team Ronan Rugby Challenge featured an attempt to break the world record for the largest scrum, an exhibition game by USA Rugby Eagles 7s players, San Diego State University rugby players and Cathedral Catholic High School rugby players. The Eagles players, along with key athletes from X-Game exhibition sports, signed autographs at the event.

The Cathedral Catholic High School (www.cathedralcatholic.org) community and the Coastal Dragons Rugby Club (www.coastaldragonsrugby.com) along with Serevi rugby (www.serevirugby.com) have teamed to raise funds to support Ronan’s rehabilitation. Photos: Jon Clark