In a heartbreaking turn of events, a rugby player in his 20s from Wisbech lost his life on the pitch during a club game in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred during the Eastern Counties First Division game against Diss on a Saturday afternoon, where the player was involved in a tackle. The game was immediately abandoned, and the entire club has suspended all sessions as a mark of respect.

David Dobson, the secretary at Wisbech Rugby Club, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The club is deeply saddened by the events of yesterday. We are grateful for the support of the local community and the wider rugby community and also for the expertise of the emergency services who came to help.”

The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from rugby clubs across the east of England. Roger Pierson from the Eastern Counties Rugby Union clarified that while there was a collision, no head contact was involved. Despite the immediate assistance from two medically qualified Diss players, the injured man couldn’t be saved and passed away on the pitch.

Describing the tackle as a “rugby incident,” Mr. Pierson assured that everything possible was being done to support all the players involved. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Injured Players’ Foundation have already become involved, extending their assistance to both Wisbech and Diss rugby clubs.

The East of England Ambulance Service responded swiftly to the distressing situation, dispatching two ambulances, an ambulance officer, and the air ambulance after receiving reports of a person collapsing during the game. Despite the tireless efforts of paramedics, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator, the young male player could not be resuscitated.

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service conveyed their condolences, stating, “Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics, the patient could not be resuscitated, and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this tragic time.”