Tributes pour in after rugby player Daniel’s death in accident at 29
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a much-loved Welsh rugby player who has died in Canada, with tens of thousands of pounds being raised within hours to fund his repatriation.
Daniel Wigley, from Llandybie near Ammanford, had been living in Vancouver for several years and tragically died in an accident in the city.
The popular player, who turned 29 in August, has been described as a “class act”, “genuine friend” and “fantastic, honest rugby player”.
A Gofundme page has been set up by Daniel’s colleagues in Canada to assist his family with costs. As of Tuesday morning, more than £62,000 had been raised within a week.
You can donate at: www.gofundme. com/f/support-for-dans-family?
The incredible sum includes £5,000 from Llandybie RFC’S members, players and committee, and £1,000 from
Hampstead Rugby Club, who secondrow Daniel played for when his career took him to London.
In a touching tribute on behalf of Llandybie Rugby Club, treasurer Stuart Griffith said: “We are totally heartbroken to have to inform you that one of our own village boys has sadly passed away. Daniel Wigley, a young man of immense character and stature had lived in Vancouver for the past few years and also spent the early part of his career in London.
“However, he remained a Llandybie boy at heart and to be told of his passing has broken us as a club and as a community.
“He was the most wonderful, unassuming, polite young man you could ever wish to meet. On the field he was a massive presence and a fantastic rugby player and as a club we were all so proud of him when he represented the British Columbia team to play the Canadian national team before the last Rugby World Cup.
“Our deepest and sincerest condolences to David, Sue, Alex and Annis.
“He has been taken from us all too soon. There are no real words to explain how we all feel – we are all numb, but we are all here for you and grieving with you. RIP Dan”.
Organisers of the crowdfunding appeal described Daniel as a “kind, funny, gentle giant of a friend” who they “tragically lost... to an accident in Vancouver”.
“This page is to help support Dan’s family with the arrangements of getting Dan home to Wales and organising the celebration of his wonderful life,” the page said. “Dan touched a lot of people and I know many of you want to help in any way you can.
“On behalf of Dan’s family, his gorgeous girlfriend Sacha, and many friends, thank you in advance for all your support and kind messages.” A later update said Daniel’s family “would like everyone to know that any money not needed to cover costs will be going to a charity of their choice or to set up a fund in Dan’s name”.
Daniel played his local rugby for Meraloma in Vancouver, where “his warm and wonderful nature quickly made him a beloved member of the Meraloma family”.
A club statement said: “Dan was a core part of the Loma Men’s Premier team in recent seasons. A class act and a fantastic, honest rugby player, Wigs also represented BC and Van
couver. He is gone far too soon and will be immensely missed by all who knew him. We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends back home in Wales, at Llandybie, here in Vancouver, and around the world.”
BC Rugby, the governing body for rugby in the province of British Columbia, said: “BC Rugby is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Daniel Wigley. Dan was a fantastic rugby player and a beloved member of the community, both here in BC and back in his native Wales.
“Whether representing Meraloma Rugby Club, Vancouver or the BC Bears, Dan will be remembered as a talented athlete, dedicated teammate and a genuine friend.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Dan’s family, friends, and team-mates here in Vancouver, back home in Wales, at his home club Llandybie RFC and around the world during this heartbreaking time.”
Further tributes have been paid to the “lovely, kind, generous young man” by Hampstead RFC, who crowned Daniel their player of the season in the club’s best ever campaign in 2018.
Daniel joined Hampstead in 2015, with the club recalling “an outwardly shy young man fiercely proud of his Welsh heritage and an intense competitor on the field”.
Soon establishing himself as a firstteam player, he was a stalwart of the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, a key player in Hampstead’s back-toback
He was the most wonderful, unassuming, polite young man you could ever wish to meet. On the field he was a massive presence and a fantastic rugby player and as a club we were all so proud of him when he represented the British Columbia team to play the Canadian national team before the last Rugby World Cup
Llandybie Rugby Club treasurer Stuart
Griffith
best seasons. Imperious in the line-out, Daniel combined his physical strength with speed, a combination that saw him score an astonishing six tries in one match.
“He had no enemies and spread joy whenever he was in the room, pitch, gym or changing room,” said Hampstead head coach Peter Breen.
“I did not award him man of the match and in the group huddle after the game he said very modestly: ‘Not being funny Pete, but if I don’t get man of the match after scoring six tries, what do I have to do?’”
The club said he left to pursue a semi-professional career in Canada, and they held a minute’s silence on Saturday at Hampstead’s first game of the season in his memory.
Daniel was also an “inspired” employee of software company Splunk Technology.
Andrew Devlin, area vice-president for Splunk, said: “We are deeply saddened by Daniel Wigley’s passing. He was an inspired Splunker, a worldclass rugby player, a constant positive influence, and a friend to many of us. Our hearts and support go out to Daniel’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Rugby Canada said: “Rugby Canada is deeply saddened to share a major loss within our rugby community. Dan Wigley represented the BC Bears All Stars against Canada Men’s XV in build up to RWC 2019, and was a proud member of Llandybie RFC in Wales and Meraloma Rugby Club in Vancouver. RIP Dan.”