Macdonald in the clear

Kiwi lock Hoani Macdonald has been released from hospital after recovering from a shock heart attack during the NPC semifinal last week.

The Southland player had an operation to implant a cardio-verter defibrillator as a precaution to control his heartbeat, and luckily did not suffer any long-term damage to his heart.

Southland commercial manager Mark Wilson said that Macdonald will continue his recovery process in Auckland.

"The events of the last eight days have been a lot to comprehend for Macdonald and his family, who for the immediate future will be staying in Auckland to be close to medical support while allowing time for them to reflect on and deal with the past week," Wilson said.

"The family have asked for continued privacy and are looking forward to some time together out of the hospital while Hoani continues his recovery."