Coaches, teammates, family and friends are rallying around a varsity rugby player from Cal who was paralyzed from the chest down when he was injured during the Bears’ national championship victory over the weekend.

Robert Paylor, a 20-year-old sophomore from El Dorado Hills, remained hospitalized Tuesday after undergoing surgery Saturday night. A family friend posted a photo of the 6-foot-5 inch, 233-pound athlete with a broad smile lying in his hospital bed, wearing a neck brace.

“The injury paralyzed his lower body with limited motion in his arms,” his family said in a statement. “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.”

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Why no break on UC tuition despite the move to remote classes? COVID-19 costs are astronomical Paylor was injured during the Bears national championship win over Arkansas State at Santa Clara University on Saturday. He plays the lock position, a spot usually reserved for the biggest members of the team. The injury occurred near the beginning of the game, during the “maul” when a group of players from each side are in contact moving towards the goal.

A family friend, Jennifer Douglas, whose son, Tyler, is a rugby teammate, said the injury was an awful accident.

“They’re taught how to tackle and do the right things, it was just a very unfortunate circumstance,” she said.

But Paylor is a strong young man who “makes everyone laugh” and is “truly one of a kind.”

“He’s a young man of incredible faith,” she said. “He is going to fight. There is nothing that will get in his way. He believes he will beat this thing. He is so positive and that’s what he’s going to need for this.”

His coach and teammates, now in the middle of finals week, have visited him in the hospital, although the family is asking for privacy so he can get stabilized and ready for rehabilitation at the end of the week.

“He was able to sit up in a chair today, which is fantastic,” Douglas sat Tuesday afternoon.

The players are “tough young men,” Douglas said, “but they’re all struggling. It’s so hard to see a brother of theirs, a fallen brother. But Robert is being strong and he’s picking them up and they’re trying to be strong for him.”

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Paylor’s medical treatment and rehabilitation has become a forum for his friends and teammates to offer prayers and support.

“It’s an honor to call myself your teammate Rob,” wrote Sam Cusano. “You are the man, love you brotha.”

Even strangers added their support, including a woman whose son plays rugby in Baltimore and has also suffered significant injuries.

“Nothing like what you are going through but I just want you to know you are loved and supported even by total strangers,” wrote Heidi Jolene Hess. “Rugby is family, near and far. You have your family and your mates behind you all the way. Stay strong. I’ll be praying for your full recovery!!”

A prayer service is being planned for 8 p.m. Thursday on the UC Berkeley campus, either at the Newman Hall or the chapel at the Jesuit School of Theology. Paylor graduated from Jesuit High School in Sacramento.

“We are overwhelmed with the love and support we’ve received from people all over the country,” his family said, “and ask that you continue to keep Robert in your prayers.”