Two years ago, rugby player Josh Fox was told he would never play the game again after breaking his neck in a tackle.

But even as 22-year-old Josh was in hospital recovering from his injury, he never gave up hope.

Now his remarkable faith has paid off. He has started training with Medway Rugby Club and is awaiting a letter from his doctor to confirm he can be included in the team for the forthcoming season.

Josh, of Maidstone Road, Rochester, has been playing since he was given a rugby ball for his 10th birthday.

When he was told he might never play again, he said it was "beyond belief".

But he said: "I never accepted it. I just thought 'where there's life, there's hope'."

Josh's ordeal began when he was crushed in a fall with a prop forward while playing for Oxford Harlequins.

He said: "I knew I was in trouble. I felt my shoulder mash. I looked like I had been in a car crash."

After months in hospital and physiotherapy, Josh gradually began building up his strength, lifting light weights at home.

A year ago his uncle John Haines, who lives in Chatham, decided to move him to Medway for a "fresh start".

Josh said: "I was at rock bottom. I had no confidence."

For the last six weeks, Josh has been going to Medway Rugby Club in Priestfields, Rochester.

He said: "It was surreal going on to the pitch. I did not know anyone. I was in a different area, but it didn't matter."

As a student he shone at all sport, but - being dyslexic - was poor at academic subjects.

"I knew I was in trouble. I felt my shoulder mash. I looked like I had been in a car crash..." - Josh Fox

He said: "When I was a kid everyone wanted to be the next David Beckham, but I just wanted to be the next Jonny Wilkinson or Austin Healey.

"If I had an ambition, it would be to be the best fly-half in the country. I'd also like to see more under-10s playing the game at school."

Josh has been told that he is scheduled to play in a friendly match in September.

He said: "When I got that email, I felt a spring in my step and was told I had a sparkle in my eye."

His support worker Gary Edwards said: "I've known Josh six weeks and have seen a remarkable lift in his confidence. He is quite an inspiration."

Josh has settled at the club where he trains three times a week and socialises with new friends at the clubhouse.

He said: "What I would say to people who have been through what I have is: 'Never give up and believe in yourself'. I feel happy here. The most content I have ever been."