MARLBOROUGH RFC player George Heard has been named as an ambassador for Bath Rugby’s new ‘All Sorts All Sports’ initiative.

The programme is intended to help those who have triumphed against adversity tell their story on a national platform.

Two seasons ago, Heard – who is a member of Marlborough’s second team – nearly paid the ultimate price for the sport he loves.

He was on the end of a hard tackle at a friendly game against Rosalyn Park but did not think much of it at the time.

The following week, he collapsed on the field during a match at Frome and was rushed to hospital.

Initially, doctors could not understand what was wrong until Heard was sent for an MRI scan, where a massive amount of internal bleeding was found.

An operation was needed quickly as Heard’s life was in danger, with his family called to his bedside.

Fortunately, the surgery went well, and although he spent a while in hospital, he went onto make a full recovery.

A year to the day, Heard was back playing for Marlborough after having to learn to walk again.

Every day he had visitors from the club, the RFU and Bath player Freddie Burns, who spent a couple hours with Heard talking about his own injuries and how rugby and their love for the game would get them through – alongside the help from the medical teams, their team-mates and, most of all, their loved ones.

Heard, plus another seven inspirational people, was invited to Bath’s training ground recently where they had a coaching session with some of senior squad members.

Heard is thankful for all the support he has received and hopes to be able to help others who are going through tough times.

A statement from Marlborough RFC read: “We are very proud of George.

“His strength and determination helped him to achieve his goal of returning to the rugby pitch and help his team-mates win promotion to Dorset & Wilts One North division – the first time in the history of the club that the second team has achieved such a position.”

n MARLBOROUGH RFC are hosting a free rugby sevens training day on Saturday for players aged 18 to 25.

Registration is at 10am, with training running from 12noon until 4pm. Email info@nomads7s.uk to confirm your place.