Ben Pons in hospital after falling ill after game

Coventry flanker Ben Pons is receiving treatment in Solihull Hospital after being taken ill on the journey back from Saturday’s National Division One game at Esher. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Coventry from Moseley at the start of the season, is believed to have suffered an allergic reaction to antihistamines given to him when he visited hospital on the morning of the game after

breaking out in a rash.

Pons suffered severe breathing difficulties on the coach on the M40 returning from the game, in which he came on as a replacement after 71 minutes. He was tended by club physio Julie Snow before being taken to hospital in Banbury by ambulance.

He was discharged in the early hours of Sunday morning after making a recovery, but felt ill later in the day and went to Solihull Hospital where he has been detained on the cardiac ward.

“It appears to be a horrible allergic reaction, but the doctors are still testing to find exactly what it is,” said Cov’s rugby director Phil Maynard.

“Ben is quite poorly, but when I visited him he was saying that he can’t wait to get back out and be playing again.

“That’s typical of the lad and his commitment.”