Bulletins
Billups Likely to Make Full Recovery
(Hong Kong) 18 May 1997 -- Hooker Tom Billups is likely to make a full recovery from the fractured vertebrae he suffered during Saturday's Pacific Rim match against Hong Kong. Doctors report no spinal cord damage and no paralysis.

Presently resting comfortably in a Hong Kong hospital, Billups will be released today and accompanied home to the United States by the staff doctor for the US National Rugby Team.

Billups, the NEC Harlequins (London) player whose 20 international appearances are the most ever by a US hooker, suffered the injury when a scrum collapsed toward the end of Saturday's contest.

"Thankfully Tom looks to make a full recovery," US General Manager and Head Coach Jack Clark breathed in relief. "It has been a scary 24 hours."