Kiwi Hoani on the mend after coma

A New Zealand rugby player came out of an induced coma on Sunday night, the day after suffering cardiac arrest and “flatlining’ during a game.

Southland’s Hoani MacDonald (34) collapsed during his team’s ITM Cup semi-final against Counties Manukau at Pukekohe on Saturday, but he is beginning to show positive signs.

New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said last night MaDonald was acknowledging questions and recognising people around him.