Former student suing Melbourne college after rugby drill left him paraplegic

A former student at St Kevin's College is believed to be suing the prestigious Melbourne school for more than $2 million after he was left a paraplegic during a rugby training drill gone wrong.

Lachlan John O'Brien was a year 11 student in 2010 when he said he was made to run into students holding tackle pads while other boys pushed him from behind, the Herald Sun reports.

The exercise caused a spinal injury that left him paraplegic, as well as suffering shock and anxiety.

In a writ lodged in the Supreme Court Mr O'Brien said the school was negligent in conducting the drill and should not have allowed him to take part in it with students who were bigger than him.

He is seeking unspecified damages for medical expenses, the negative impact on his future earning capacity and compensation for his pain and suffering.

Immediately after Mr O'Brien injury St Kevin's headmaster Stephen Russell launched a fund for him, that aimed to raise $1 million.

Mr Russell said he unaware of the legal action but remained in touch with Mr O'Brien, who he said continues to receive "regular support from the foundation and will continue to do so whatever follows".

"I think Lachlan is a great young man that I am still in touch with ... and I admire him greatly," Mr Russell said.