AN Ely Tigers rugby player who had to be resuscitated on the pitch after suffering a suspected heart attack is now awake and talking to doctors, the club confirmed.

Air ambulance crews had to be rushed to Great Shelford Rugby Club at about 4.30pm on Saturday after hooker Allan Turpie collapsed while taking part in a cup match.

Ely Tigers president Mark Mitzman said in a statement: “Allan had stopped breathing and had to be given CPR on the pitch by players and coaches of both sides until an ambulance arrived on the scene.

“Allan was eventually taken to Addenbrooke’s where because he was struggling to breath by himself they put him in to an induced coma and transferred him to Papworth where he was operated on.

“Allan is now awake and is talking and the doctors have confirmed that there is no permanent damage to his heart. It is hoped that Allan will be home by the middle to the end of the week.

Mr Mitzman added that it was believed that he had suffered a blood clot, which had been successfully removed by teams at Papworth Hospital, a specialist heart hospital.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time, and we wish him a very speedy recovery,” added Mr Mitzman.