Tackle preceded death

A young woman who suffered a head injury in a rugby league match in Hawke’s Bay has died.

The 23-year-old woman was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital on Saturday after collapsing on a field at Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park during a match between Tamatea and Dannevirke.

The woman, who played for Tamatea, was taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition that afternoon. She passed away early yesterday morning.

Police have not released the woman’s name yet.

Rugby League Hawke’s Bay secretary Mike Tamati said that the woman appeared unsteady on her feet after taking a tackle.

He said her coach noticed this and called her to the sideline. As she reached the sideline, she collapsed, Tamati said.

‘‘It has been a huge shock to all of us and the rugby league community around the country. We are caring for the family as much as we can through this process.’’

The field was to be blessed yesterday, he added.

Tributes for the woman, who had a young child, have been flowing on her Facebook page.

‘‘I have known this young lady for many of years and I just want to share how strong and amazing she really is. I worked helping her younger brothers and [the woman] was always there loving and supporting them through there trials and tribulations. The love she has for her siblings and both her parents is totally amazing,’’ one friend wrote.

‘‘You are amazing babe with a beautiful heart and soul. It’s women like you that make this world a better place ... You will greatly missed by many of your people in Ngati Kahungunu.’’