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League game scrapped after player death
By Nick Clowes
AAP
Celtic Crusaders and Wakefield Wildcats called off their Super League clash on Sunday following the death of a 21-year-old player in a reserves fixture between the two clubs.
Crusaders and Wildcats' second strings were playing at Maestag, South Wales, when Wakefield's Leon Walker collapsed in the 63rd minute.
He was airlifted to Morriston Hospital in nearby Swansea, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Walker, a second rower or loose forward, signed for Wakefield in November 2008 having spent three years at Salford City Reds, where he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England in 2007.
"This is a tragic loss for all involved with Rugby League. Clearly everybody at the club is devastated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with the family at this time," said Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson.
Nigel Wood, Rugby Football League (RFL) chief executive, added: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."
Earlier Sunday, the RFL announced the scheduled Super League game in Bridgend between the Crusaders and Wildcats had been postponed just 35 minutes before kick-off due to "unforeseen circumstances
By Nick Clowes
AAP
Celtic Crusaders and Wakefield Wildcats called off their Super League clash on Sunday following the death of a 21-year-old player in a reserves fixture between the two clubs.
Crusaders and Wildcats' second strings were playing at Maestag, South Wales, when Wakefield's Leon Walker collapsed in the 63rd minute.
He was airlifted to Morriston Hospital in nearby Swansea, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Walker, a second rower or loose forward, signed for Wakefield in November 2008 having spent three years at Salford City Reds, where he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England in 2007.
"This is a tragic loss for all involved with Rugby League. Clearly everybody at the club is devastated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with the family at this time," said Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson.
Nigel Wood, Rugby Football League (RFL) chief executive, added: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."
Earlier Sunday, the RFL announced the scheduled Super League game in Bridgend between the Crusaders and Wildcats had been postponed just 35 minutes before kick-off due to "unforeseen circumstances