THE grandparents of an England under-21 rugby player who broke his neck last week are anxiously waiting for news.

Leicester Tigers prop Matt Hampson is on a ventilator in intensive care at Stoke Mandeville Hospital following surgery to realign the fractured vertebrae.

His grandparents Bill and Barbara Wilkinson are waiting for news of his condition at their home in Normandale Avenue, Heaton, although doctors have revealed that his spinal cord has not been damaged.

"It has been a great blow to us because he is a lovely lad. A real gentle giant," said Mr Wilkinson.

Although he lives in Leicestershire Matt, aged 20, is a regular visitor to Bolton and prayers for his recovery have been said at St Margaret's Church in Heaton.

From schooldays Matt, who has an older sister and younger brother, was a keen rugby player. He joined the Leicester Tigers Academy at the age of 15.

He had earned a place in the first team and was taking part in a practice match with the England Under-21s squad when he fractured his neck in a scrum. He is still under sedation in hospital, and his grandfather says he will be devastated to learn that his playing career may be over.

"It will absolutely depress him once he knows," said Mr Wilkinson. "Rugby is all he has ever been focused on."

In a bid to help Matt and his family England and Scotland players offered to donate the shirts they wore during last weekend's Calcutta Cup match. They are being auctioned with the proceeds going to Matt.