An Otago University student and rising rugby talent is recovering after a near-fatal fall from a Dunedin rooftop in September

Jayden Broome suffered a severe head injury, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and multiple fractures after slipping from the roof of a two-storey Castle Street flat while celebrating his birthday.

The 19-year-old was placed in an induced coma and has since regained consciousness.

Once regarded as one of Southland's brightest rugby prospects, Broome has accepted he's unlikely to play again.

He says recovery has been tough but encouraging, and he's close to walking and breathing independently.