Joseph Ritchie: Perth dad suffers spinal injury during Nedlands Rugby match at Sir Charles Court Reserve

A father’s life has been “turned upside down” after he suffered a serious spinal injury during a rugby union match in Perth’s western suburbs. Joseph Ritchie, 43, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries after a scrum collapsed in the first half of a match at Sir Charles Court Reserve, in Crawley, on Saturday. He was playing for Nedlands Rugby’s third grade team at the time of the incident. RugbyWA said Mr Ritchie “suffered a serious spinal injury as a result of a collapsed scrum”. Nedlands Rugby said the father of five — who moved to Perth from New Zealand — fractured his C3 vertebrae and suffered severe trauma to his spinal cord. “Early in the first half of our third grade game, one of our brothers, Joseph Ritchie (aka Peanut), sustained a spinal injury during a match, the club said in a statement. “Peanut is currently in Perth Hospital, facing an uncertain road to recovery. “A proud dad of five, a loving partner to his fiancée Kelly, a loyal teammate, and a friend to so many.” The club said doctors were “still assessing the full extent of the damage” which occurred when his team was facing Joondalup Brothers Rugby Club. “Since moving from New Zealand to Perth in 2009, he’s built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Now, that life has been turned upside down,” it said. “What’s clear is that the months ahead will be incredibly tough — emotionally, physically, and financially. “There’s no certainty of full recovery, and the family’s world has changed overnight. “The kids — especially their youngest, just 3 and 5 — will need ongoing support.” A hospital spokesman said Mr Ritchie was in a serious but stable condition on Tuesday. The club said Mr Ritchie’s partner will take time off work to care for him. RugbyWA said strict injury protocols were followed once the scrum collapsed. “RugbyWA can confirm the case of a serious spinal injury incident that occurred at Nedlands Rugby on Saturday, June 21, 2025,” a spokesperson said. “Serious Injury Protocol guidelines were followed after the incident. “The player was stabilised at the ground and taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital, where the full extent of the injury is still being assessed. “We thank all members of the community involved in getting Joseph to safety, including Luke Paley from Joondalup Brothers, who kept his arm motionless under Joseph’s head for over 45 minutes following the incident.” RugbyWA chief executive Simon Taylor said “our thoughts and support are with Joseph Ritchie, his family and the Nedlands Rugby community as they go through this incredibly difficult time.” “A much-loved father, partner, teammate and friend, this critical incident has deeply affected all members of the WA rugby community. “We all wish Joseph the best as he undergoes the process of recovery.” According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were 3400 hospitalisations attributed to rugby league and rugby union in 2021-22. Fractures accounted for 52 per cent of hospitalisations, followed by soft tissue injuries at 20 per cent. There were 280 hospitalisations for concussion. A fundraiser to support his family, which can be found here, has gathered support from the rugby community across WA and people as far as New Zealand.