A community rugby club is rallying around players injured, including some seriously, after their team van collided with a car in Selwyn on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Greendale Road and Clintons Road in Darfield just before 6pm after a two vehicle crash.

The Burnham Dunsandel Irwell Rugby Football Club confirmed the van involved was its club vehicle.

In a social media post, the club said, “Last night our club van was hit by a car not giving way. Several players have been injured ranging from serious to minor.”

It also said, “Thoughts are with everyone at the moment. We will update when suitable.”

Do you know more? Email: [email protected] 

The Leeston Rugby Football Club later confirmed the players involved saying “As most of you will be aware our BDI Leeston Div 2 team were involved in a crash following the game at Kirwee yesterday.”

It added, “Our thoughts are with our brothers at BDI Rugby Football Club and the lads and families involved in the accident.”

The club said, “Together we will continue to support each other wherever that looks like.

“Rugby is more than just a sport on a Saturday and these guys are our brothers. We wish them all a very speedy recovery.”

St John said six ambulances and two critical care response units were sent to the crash.

Thirteen injured people were assessed at the scene, with 10 taken to Christchurch Hospital.

Two patients were in a critical condition, three were seriously injured, one had moderate injuries and four had minor injuries.

Police said the Serious Crash Unit were investigating the circumstances of the crash.