Australian rugby has been rocked by the death of a young player following a match in New South Wales.
Nicholas Tooth collapsed after attempting a tackle while playing for Quirindi Lions during an amateur game on Saturday. The 25-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died on Sunday.
“The Quirindi Rugby club would like to send their deepest condolences to the Tooth family on the loss of Nick,” read a statement on the amateur team’s Facebook page.
“The loss of this kind hearted and fine young man will be felt far and wide. The club would like to offer their support to everyone who has been touched by this tragic loss.
“The players and club members thank everyone for their thoughts and support at this sad time.”
Tooth, originally from New England, was studying agricultural economics at Sydney University.
“The passing of one of our young country rugby players over the weekend is incredibly sad and is a loss that is felt by the entire Australian rugby community,” read a statement given by Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver on Monday.
“We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Nick’s family, friends, teammates and members of the Quirindi rugby and broader community.
“I’d like to thank those who helped at the scene on Saturday and we’ll ensure we provide whatever support we can for Nick’s family and club at this challenging time.”
Talking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Quirindi Lions president Charles Murray detailed the fatal incident.
“It really was just a tragic accident, Nick went in to tackle an opponent and his head clashed with [the opponent’s] shoulder and he went down,” said Murray. “There was no foul play, nothing untoward about it at all, sadly it was just a very tragic accident.
“I’d seen him grow up from a child through junior rugby and grow into a young man, he was a lovely kid, he had a bit of a larrikin spirit in him,” he said. “He was a really good bloke and very popular, and his family for generations have been great rugby supporters in this district and great community people.”
Tooth’s death comes just five months after Australian cricket mourned the death of Phil Hughes, who was struck by a ball during a match in November.