By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:00, Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Cumbrian World Cup star Rob Purdham is counting his blessings that he faces only six weeks out of action – after a blood clot threatened to end his career.

Rob Purdham

The former Gosforth farmer was told that he would have lost two fingers if he had not sought treatment for the clot in his wrist.

But the Harlequins skipper, who featured for England in the World Cup in Australia last year, revealed he went to hospital to have the clot scanned only because he was already sidelined by a hip injury.

A specialist ordered immediate surgery on seeing his blue and purple fingers.

“If not for that injury, I don’t think I’d have gone to hospital to get the clot looked at,” said the ex-Whitehaven ace.

“It was a bit of luck that I went in. If I’d left the fingers, the colour they were going, they would have died off.

“I don’t think I could have played on with two fingers and a thumb. It would have been over for me.

“It’s a bit disappointing that I’m going to miss so many weeks, as we’re going pretty good at the moment. But it’s better than losing two fingers.”

Purdham spent three days in hospital following surgery and was readmitted for another five after his fingers again went blue.

He was given drugs to prevent further clotting and is now bursting to return to training with Quins, who lie fifth in Super League.

“As far as I know, I can’t do any contact for six weeks,” he added. “But I can start running next week, and weights the week after.

“We’ll still be up there, come the end of the season. With all our injured players coming back, hopefully we’ll peak for the play-offs. We’re trying for a home draw. It’s what we’ve planned for.”

First published at 11:27, Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk