Scott Baldwin feared he would lose his hand after Wales hooker was bitten by a lion and suffered 'major' infection
The Ospreys forward needed stitches in a wound to his left hand but was told an infection meant there was a chance he could have it amputated
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Wales hooker Scott Baldwin has said he feared losing his left hand to an infection after being bitten while petting a lion in South Africa last month.
The 29-year-old was described as “stupid” by Ospreys coach Steve Tandy after suffering the wound, which needed stitches, during a pre-match visit to a game park ahead of a Pro14 match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
“The infection was the major issue,” the 29-year-old told the BBC. “The next day it started tracking up my arm. The surgeon said there was a chance I could lose my hand.”
Baldwin underwent two operations in South Africa before flying to Swansea to consult a plastic surgeon and said he was extremely fortunate not to have sustained a worse injury.
“The bite went straight through the other side of the hand,” Baldwin added.
“But I was really lucky it didn't hit any tendons or ligaments. The surgeon said it was like winning the lottery... it was the best possible outcome considering I had been bitten by a lion.”
With his stitches out, Baldwin hopes to return to training in the coming week but will make a final call after meeting with his coach and medical teams.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments