Rugby player stabbed 10 times in front of girlfriend 'half an inch' from death

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

A rugby player was left just "half an inch" from death after he was stabbed 10 times in front of his girlfriend during a night out.
Morgan Hopkins, 19, from Swansea, remains in hospital as he recovers from a 10-and-a-half hour operation after his ordeal. Morgan, who also goes by "Hoppy" with his Morriston RFC teammates, was attacked while the pair waited for a taxi in Gorseinon on Saturday.
Morgan's family said he was stabbed 10 times with a surgeon commenting he was just half an inch away from having a wound deep enough that would have caused him to bleed to death. He has suffered life-changing injuries in the attack and has had part of his bowel removed and had tendons sewn back together.
His mum, Victoria Owens Hopkins, said June 22 was the worst day of her life. She added: "In the early hours of Sunday morning my son and his girlfriend were sitting on a bench waiting for a lift home when Morgan was attacked with a knife.
"He was stabbed 10 times. At first we thought they were superficial so we were all very relaxed. But that turned into 10.5 hours of Morgan having major surgery, where he had part of his bowel removed. He has had to have nerves and tendons sewn back in his arms."
She added: "Half an inch saved his life. So in all this we consider ourselves very lucky." The family confirmed Morgan's surgeon said it would be a week to learn if the operation was successful, although Morgan has since been moved into intensive care and remains in a stable condition.
South Wales Police has arrested and charged a 20-year-old man for attempted murder as well as being in possession of a bladed article, WalesOnline reported.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "An investigation is ongoing in relation to a serious assault which occurred during the early hours of the morning on Sunday June 22, 2025, at The New Lodge Social Club, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon.
"The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition. Twenty-year-old Kane Evans from Gorseinon has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article."
Morriston RFC has set up a fundraiser in a bid to cover any medical costs from private rehabilitation services when he is released from hospital and not feel pressure about returning to work. A spokesperson for the rugby club said: "Not only does Morgan have physical wounds from this attack, but he will suffer from psychological trauma for years to come.
"The purpose of this GoFundMe page is to raise money for Morgan as he's going to be out of work for some time.
"We'd also like to raise some money for Morgan to be able to have some private sessions for physical and mental rehabilitation should he wish to have this.
"Our thoughts go out to Morgan and his family during this difficult time and wish him a speedy recovery. See you on the rugby pitch again soon Hoppy."
The GoFundMe campaign raised more than £3,000 in less than 24 hours. To view the campaign, click here.