He talks to David Azhar who broke his neck in a scrum while playing in a youth game for Whitecraigs and is now confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
David is working through the second year of a degree at Strathclyde University, but each day brings another series of challenges. However, the governing body still has no policy or strategic approach for offering advice and guidance on how to cope with life after a rugby accident.
Scotland lacks the kind of support network that is available in other countries. In England, South Africa and New Zealand, there exist rehabilitation centres for players with spinal injuries.
Since 2003, the NZRFU has organised nationwide insurance cover for rugby players who sustain a permanently disabling injury; there is a freephone number offering advice on injuries; and a community rugby health and safety checklist to help clubs. There is also funding of £100,000 per annum to the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, a charity set up by former players Colin Meads and Sir Brian Lochore, to help seriously injured players.
You can read David Ferguson's article here and you can find out more about The David Azhar Appeal here