A SCHOOLBOY who nearly died in a freak rugby accident is hoping to be back on the pitch in September.

Bassaleg Comprehensive pupil Mathew Verallo spent six days in intensive care and two days in a critical condition after an operation to fix a broken leg led to serious complications.

A-Level student Mathew of Draethen, broke his leg playing prop for Newport High School Old Boys on September 26.

But, during an operation at the Royal Gwent Hospital, bone marrow fat leaked into his bloodstream and traveled to his lungs, causing pneumonia and severe breathing problems.

After recovering at home, Mathew’s mother, Tanya, said he is ready to return to action “all guns blazing” at the start of the 2010/11 season.

Mathew lost two stone in two weeks after the operation and was left with amaemia, which made him feel weak.

But, he is now receiving physiotherapy once a week on his leg and seeing specialists a couple of times a month for tests on his lung functions and heart valves.

Mrs Verallo said: “The doctors have said as long as his fitness is okay, he can return. He has put a bit of weight on since and gets breathless, but Newport HSOB are short of props and he is keen to get fit.”

Mathew was inspired after attending the Wales team’s captain’s run the day before the Six Nations match against Italy last month.

This was organised by Welsh Rugby Union community officer, Peter Owens, and Mathew had his photo taken with players, including captain and former Bassaleg Comprehensive pupil, Ryan Jones.

He hopes to study law at university, but after the disruption caused to his study in the past year, he will re-sit the second year of his A-levels next year.