Tributes pour in for rugby player who died in on-pitch collision

sharjah — Rugby community in the UAE and the region has paid tributes to a British player who died on April 29 following an onpitch collision during one of the sport’s popular local tournaments in Sharjah.

While playing as part of a veterans’ side for RAK Rugby at the Sharjah 10s tournament on April 27, 44-year-old Nick Young suffered a severe head injury during one of the matches.

Eyewitnesses told the police that Young crashed into another player, sustaining severe injuries. Emergency personnel found the player in a critical condition and rushed him to the Kuwaiti Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Condolence messages from teams and residents across the region poured in following the announcement of his death, including messages from teams in Bahrain and Oman.

“It is with profound sadness and regret we announce that RAK Rugby player Nick Young passed away today at 2.45pm local time, following treatment from a serious head injury incurred while playing at the Sharjah 10s Rugby tournament,” RAK Rugby announced on its Facebook page.

Thanking everyone for their “astonishing support”, the representatives said tributes had poured in from “rugby family and beyond”. One Facebook user posted: “Terrible news ... my heart goes out to Nick’s family and friends.”

The UAE Rugby Federation also offered its condolences following the tragedy and released a statement saying it was “shocked” by the news. “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Nick Young, RAK Rugby Player, who was injured while participating at Sharjah 10s tournament last weekend, our sincerest condolences to Nick’s Family & Friends and the Rugby family in UAE.”

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com