DONCASTER rugby union player Ian Williams has tragically collapsed and died during training for his club.
The 27-year-old prop forward could not be resuscitated after the incident at Castle Park training ground.
Williams joined the club this summer, from Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham Titans.
A club statement read: “It is with great sadness that Doncaster RFC announces the passing of prop forward Ian Williams.
“Ian collapsed at training at Castle Park this morning and, despite the best efforts of the emergency response team, could not be resuscitated.
“Ian joined the club in summer 2017 from Rotherham Titans and quickly became a well-liked member of the Knights squad making six appearances for the club.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Ian’s mother Pippa, father Phillip and and sister Helen and are working with a counselling team in the best interest of Ian’s teammates.”
Details of the funeral have not yet been released.
FOUL-MOUTHED TIRADE What the pitch invader said to Sergio Aguero
Most read in rugby union
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Harlequins go out to the family and friends of Ian Williams and all at @DoncasterKnight https://t.co/vorScmWacj
— Harlequins
(@Harlequins) February 20, 2018
There world of social media reacted with shock as the new broke.
Gloucester rugby ace Billy Burns described it as “tragic news”, while London Irish star Alex Lewington said it was “a terrible day”.
And other clubs, such as Harlequins, Scunthorpe and Bradford & Bingley were quick to express their sadness at the news.
And of course, Williams’ old club Rotherham posted a photo of him during his playing days there, saying that they are “deeply saddened to hear the tragic news”.
Leave a comment