A Seaton man has been overwhelmed by the support from the rugby league community after he suffered a horror injury.

Brett Symes, 21, of Derwent Bank, broke his leg in three places when he was tackled during Seaton Rangers’ home match against Distington in the Cumbria Men’s League on Saturday.

The match was abandoned 17 minutes into the game and Symes was rushed to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle where he underwent a five-hour operation.

Seaton Rangers held a race night at the club on Saturday to raise funds to go towards Symes’ rehabilitation, while Distington’s players also had a whip round.

Just over £1,400 has been raised so far for the second-rower.

Seaton Rangers was also inundated with messages for Symes on its Twitter account.

Symes said: “Me and my family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes, concern and contributions.

“I’ve had fantastic messages of support from rival clubs and the Distington players had a whip round right after the match.

“The support I’ve had from Seaton rugby club has been amazing – from my teammates, the committee and fans.”

Symes’ parents were at the match and his dad Geoff said: ‘’The care on the pitch was first rate. I would also like to thank Cumberland Infirmary who were brilliant from the time Brett was admitted.

“It’s been very humbling to be involved with such a fantastic club and sport.”

Symes is the top try scorer in the Cumbria Men’s League this season with 15 tries.

Gary McKeating, a committee member at Seaton Rangers, said Symes will be a big miss for what’s left of the season.

“It was a freak rugby injury,” he said. “The tackle was fair.

“Accidents like this can happen and when it happens the rugby league family rallies round.

“Brett is a hard runner and a hard tackler – a great asset to the team.

“He is one of the characters in the team. He is a good laugh and is great for team spirit.

“He will be a miss from a playing perspective and as part of the team and camaraderie. Hopefully his recovery will go well.”

A win, or even a draw, from the match would have been good enough to earn Distington the Cumbria Men’s League title.

The match is due to be replayed on Tuesday night.