Rugby: American forward Mounga released from hospital

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MONTPELLIER - The United States have got a lift ahead of Sunday's rugby World Cup match against South Africa here with the release from hospital of forward Fifita Mounga after he was cleared of a spinal injury.

The Tongan-born No.8 was carried off the field in the second half of the American Eagles' 25-21 defeat to Samoa in St Etienne last weekend and underwent tests for spinal injuries.

Mounga was expected to remain in hospital, but was discharged and rejoined his team-mates at their team hotel in Juvignac near Montpellier on Saturday.

"It's good to see him back," teammate Thretton Palamo said.

"It was a little scary to watch. He is one of the toughest guys I know and to see the way he went down it was clear he was injured. I had a prayer for him."

Mounga is not fit to resume training and it has yet to be decided whether he will accompany the team home after their final match in the tournament.

- AFP