THE Restart campaign launched by the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) has seen funds for Warriors' Michael Fatialofa and his family hit £23,000 in just over 48 hours.

The RPA announced last night that the campaign had raised £10,000 in its first day and following more contributions from the rugby and wider sporting community the latest figure on the JustGiving page is £23,710.

Fatialofa yesterday completed his first day at the Spinal Rehab Clinic in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, following his release from hospital in London.

He had spent the last month in the intensive care unit at St Mary's Hospital following the horror injury he sustained in the Saracens game at the start of January.

Warriors co-owner Colin Goldring has expressed his gratitude at the support shown to the Worcester lock.

“Since Michael suffered his injury there have been so many offers of support from across the rugby community,” he said.

“We have been working closely with Michael and Tatiana, the RPA and their Restart initiative, the RFU Injured Players Foundation, Pacific Rugby Players, New Zealand Rugby Foundation, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and Esportif, Michael’s management company, to produce a co-ordinated plan to provide Michael with the best possible support.

“As an established charity which already provides support for seriously-injured professional players, Restart was best placed to provide co-ordinated support for Michael in the short, medium and long-term."

Golding was keen to add that the whole of the Warriors community are behind Fatialofa and his family and they are doing everything they can to provide assistance in the rehab process.

He added: “Warriors are fully supportive of the campaign that has been launched and we would like supporters who want to support Michael and his family to donate to the JustGiving page.

“Warriors are continuing to employ Michael and have also covered the costs of a private hospital to ensure that he has the best possible care and as a starting donation to the fundraising.

“Discussions about major fundraising events are continuing and we hope to announce further details in the near future.”

Donations to support Fatialofa can be made at justgiving.com/campaign/michaelfatialofa.