An Auckland rugby player's been left with critical injuries, after collapsing during a club match

The player from Massey's under-85 team, was given CPR by his wife, while spectators watched on in Silverdale, north of Auckland yesterday.

Hato Hone St John says they treated and transported the patient to Auckland Hospital, around 3.30pm.

Massey under-85 manager Courtney Wenzlick, says there was speculation around the sidelines that it was a head knock.

She says it was instead a very massive heart attack - with scans showing no brain damage.