Scotland and Glasgow Warriors winger, Thom Evans, has returned home and is now in the care of the Glasgow Warriors medical team working alongside their colleagues at Scottish Rugby and specialists within the NHS in Scotland.

On Saturday February 13, 2010 Evans sustained a serious injury during the Wales v Scotland RBS 6 Nations Championship match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Thom was immediately admitted to the University Hospital Wales, part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Mr Ahuja, a consultant working at UHW in the field of spinal surgery for seven years, commended the Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union medical teams for the high standard of care Thom received on the pitch.

"I was watching the game and could see the medical care provided on the pitch was excellent," Ahuja said.

"Thom was admitted with a very unstable injury to his neck. He was scanned and operated on within hours of admission.

"The first operation was critical to protect the spinal cord as the vertebra had slipped. This was preformed on the Saturday night and was successful with Thom showing immediate signs of recovery.

Due to the severity of the injuries to Thom's neck, a second operation was necessary to maintain this stability. Thom insisted that this be done in Cardiff by Mr Ahuja.

Ahuja continued: "After the second operation, Thom now feels that he can begin his recovery in earnest. He will be in a collar for at least six weeks to allow the soft tissue to heal and his care has been transferred to a hospital in Glasgow for outpatient and rehabilitation treatment."

"On behalf of all the staff involved in caring for Thom, we wish him all the best in the future."

Evans, who travelled to Glasgow by air yesterday (Thursday), praised the staff of the University Hospital Wales as well as those on duty at the Millennium Stadium on the day of the match.

"The care I received in Cardiff was outstanding and I owe a great debt of gratitude to my main surgeon Sashin Ahuja and neuro surgeon John Martin who accompanied me in the ambulance and who was present during my first operation," said Evans.

"I cannot thank enough the Scotland team doctor, James Robson, physiotherapist Lisa Casey and WRU doctor Mike Fardy for their extreme professionalism whilst on the Millennium Stadium pitch.

"I have been amazed and moved by the many many messages of support from well-wishers inside and outside the rugby world who have taken the time to send me and my family their best wishes"

Scotland team doctor, James Robson, added: "We are delighted to learn that Thom has been discharged from hospital and is now in the care of the Glasgow Warriors medical team working alongside their medical colleagues at Murrayfield and specialists within the NHS in Scotland.

"Once again I would like to offer the thanks of the Scotland medical team to the Welsh Rugby Union, the staff at the Millennium Stadium and all staff at the University Hospital in Cardiff for the dedicated and professional care that has enabled Thom to reach this stage in his recovery.

"We have witnessed the rugby and medical families acting as one to ensure Thom has received the very best of treatment, just as Chris Paterson did in the aftermath of his kidney injury and we are most grateful."

Glasgow Warriors chief executive, Kenny Baillie, echoed Robinson's sentiments: "Thom has received the very best of care from the Scotland medical team and those at University Hospital Wales.

"Everyone at Glasgow Warriors is glad to have Thom back home where he will continue to be given the full support of the Warriors and Scottish Rugby."