Honouring a young rugby star who tragically lost his life during a game

Huddersfield Giants player Ronan Costello. The teenager died after falling seconds before a tackle on the pitch. He suffered head injuries and died three days after the collision IT’S a fitting tribute to a young rugby player who lost his life so tragically.

Huddersfield Giants ran its first Ronan Costello Memorial Festival last summer – and it was a complete success with this year’s organised for Thursday, June 14.

More than 250 Under 7s, 8s and 9s players were at Leeds Road Playing Fields for the rugby tournament to remember the 17-year-old rising Giants Academy star who died in hospital days after he was badly hurt during a game against Salford Red Devils in June 2016.

The full Giants Super League and Academy squads were on hand to lend their support, as well as a number of former players and Rugby League legend Jason Robinson, who played for England at both rugby union and league.

Huddersfield Giants Community Manager and Category 3 Academy Head Coach Chris Cullimore, who coached Ronan for two years, said: “This year the aim is to make it bigger and better than last year.

“We want to bring the community together at what is a difficult time for all, doing something that Ronan loved, playing the sport of rugby league.

“We want the festival to be fun for all and a real celebration of Ronan’s life.”

A donation is required to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in order to be entered into the tournament.

Players who take part in the festival will also receive a free ticket to the Giants vs Catalans game on Friday, June 15, where they will parade at half-time with medals.

Giants Player Performance Manager Steve Hardisty said: “It was such a warm atmosphere at the festival. The amount of kids who were there was tremendous.

“It’s well documented that rugby league is a small family and they all pull together in tragedy. It’s just testament to all the followers of our sport.”

Andy Kelly, head of youth at Huddersfield Giants, said: “We wanted to have an event that celebrated Ronan’s love for rugby league and Ronan’s legacy will live on in this tournament. Ronan was a fantastic student who embraced the whole concept of modern academy life, the educational side, the rugby side and his behaviour was very professional.

“Our expectation of him was high and he delivered.”

Jason Robinson said: “This is a celebration of Ronan’s life – he loved rugby league.

“There were hundreds of kids having a really good time. It’s great to remember but it’s also something to celebrate as well.”

Ronan’s family said soon after the tragedy: “Ronan was a loving and caring 17-year-old lad who was dedicated to his family and friends.

“He was a credit to all of his family and we are so proud of him.”