Former New Zealand Warriors five-eighth Chad Townsend has collapsed on a plane to en route to the NRL's season opener in Las Vegas.
In a post to social media, the 35-year-old said he started to feel light headed and nauseous, followed by hot and cold flushes and "constant sweating".
"I got up to go to the toilet and then fainted."
He said he was grateful to be treated mid-flight by an "amazing" Michigan doctor named Jimmy as well as nurse Brooke Gidley, wife of former league player Kurt Gidley.
"The whole ordeal was a little scary but I just wanted to let everyone know that I am feeling fine now and looking forward to Round 1 here in Vegas!"
Townsend played 41 games for the Warriors during the 2014-15 season, and a further five in 2021. He won the NRL premiership in 2016 with the Cronulla Sharks.
Since retiring at the end of the 2025 season, Townsend has focused on building a career in social media, podcasting and commentary.
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