Cal Varsity Rugby has released an update on lock Robert Paylor who suffered a serious-looking injury in the first few minutes of Saturday's Varsity Cup Final in Santa Clara, Calif..

Paylor was part of a Cal maul near the Arkansas State tryline. The maul collapsed and Paylor appeared to land a a very awkward position. He lay on his side while play continued and Cal actually scored a try as the medical team rushed to his side. The medical team moved quickly and carefully to immobilize Paylor's neck and take him to the hospital.

The sophomore lock was a standout at Jesuit HS in Sacramento and looked set to be a huge part of Cal's forward pack next year. According to the Cal Rugby statement, Paylor has sustained paralysis, and a prayer service will be held for him on Thursday (details to be posted here).  

Here is a statement from the Paylor family:

"The Paylor family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Cal Rugby family, friends and community for all your prayers and support. We can't find the words that express what that has meant to all of us in this very sad time in our lives. Robert is currently working on stabilizing his condition so he can start rehabilitation. The injury paralyzed his lower body with limited motion in his arms. This will be a long and difficult journey for Robert and his outcome is uncertain. But we know his faith and determination will get him as far as he can go in regaining mobility. We are overwhelmed with the love and support we've received from people all over the country and ask that you continue to keep Robert in your prayers."

Here is a statement from Cal Head Coach Jack Clark:

"Our team is devastated by Rob's injury. There aren't words to adequately explain our sorrow for what he and his family are going through. Rob is an extraordinary teammate, friend and student-athlete. As a University-recognized Scholar Athlete, he represents everything that is right and true about collegiate athletics. His challenges will be severe, long in duration and difficult beyond measure. Our team intends to be there with him every bit of the way."

In addition, words of support have come in to Paylor from all over. Saint Mary's rugby captain Kevin O'Connor said this:

"We're all sending our prayers and support to him and the guys met on Sunday and we all said a prayer for him and he is in our thoughts and prayers going forward."