**Young Rugby Player Narrowly Survives Multiple Stabbing Attack in Gorseinon**
A promising Welsh rugby player is recovering in hospital from life-changing injuries after a vicious stabbing incident in Gorseinon that has shocked the local community. Morgan Hopkins, known affectionately as “Hoppy” among his friends and teammates, was assaulted while waiting for a taxi in the company of his girlfriend during the early hours of Sunday morning, 22 June.
Hopkins, aged 22 and hailing from Swansea, suffered approximately ten knife wounds in the unprovoked attack, which took place near The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road. According to his family, the surgeon handling his case revealed that one of the stab wounds missed a major artery by less than half an inch—a narrow margin that likely saved the young man’s life.
After undergoing more than ten hours of complex surgery, which included the removal of part of his bowel and the delicate repair of nerves and tendons in his arms, Hopkins remains in recovery at hospital. His family say he is now in a stable condition and has been moved out of intensive care, though the full extent of his long-term prognosis will not be clear for at least a week.
Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, Hopkins’ mother Victoria Owens Hopkins described the events as “the worst day of my life”. She recounted that in the immediate aftermath, the family initially believed the wounds to be superficial, but their sense of relief quickly turned to distress as doctors revealed the true severity of his injuries. Ms Owens Hopkins expressed immense gratitude that fortune intervened to prevent a fatal outcome, stating, “Half an inch saved his life. So in all this we consider ourselves very lucky.”
South Wales Police have acted swiftly, arresting and charging 20-year-old Kane Evans from Gorseinon with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with further information to come forward, referencing case number 2500197011.
The impact of this violent episode has reverberated through the tight-knit Morriston RFC community, where Hopkins has played rugby for several seasons. The club has responded by launching an online fundraising campaign aimed at alleviating some of the financial burden on the player and his family during his recovery. The money raised will help fund both physical and psychological rehabilitation, which club representatives note are essential for Hopkins’ recovery after such a traumatic ordeal.
“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,” remarked a spokesperson for Morriston RFC. The rugby club’s rapid response fundraiser has seen an overwhelming wave of community support, gathering over £3,000 in the first 24 hours alone. Club members have voiced hope that these efforts will allow Hopkins access to private rehabilitation services and relieve some of the anxieties about returning to work.
As the case develops, police continue to seek information. Anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has relevant details is urged to reach out to South Wales Police via their online live chat, trusted crime reporting services, or by calling 101. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The local rugby fraternity, together with friends and supporters across Swansea, have rallied around the Hopkins family, sending messages of solidarity and hope for a swift return to the sport for their much-loved teammate. The incident underscores the devastating impact of knife crime not only on its immediate victims but also on wider communities built on friendship, trust and mutual support.