South African Rugby Player Dies of Apparent Heart Attack in France
A member of the Lions domestic rugby team was found unresponsive in a hotel and pronounced dead hours before a scheduled match.
A playing member of South Africa’s domestic side, the Lions, has died of an apparent heart attack in La Rochelle, France. The player was found deceased on Friday morning, the day before his team was scheduled to play La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup.
According to French reports, the player was discovered unresponsive in a shower stall at a hotel on the Ile de Re. Emergency services were called to the scene but were unable to revive him. The player, who is currently unnamed, is understood to be in his 30s.
The Ile de Re venue confirmed that a psychological support unit has been established for Lions players, staff, and hotel employees. Official statements from the Lions or the Champions Cup are expected, and the match between La Rochelle and the Lions is anticipated to be called off.