Eugene Hanna suffered an injury described as “unsurvivable” and spent 10 days in the hospital before he passed, while his country’s rugby league emphasised the importance of safety protocols
A New Zealand rugby player has died after sustaining an injury during his team’s opening game.
Eugene Hanna, of the Glenora Bears from Auckland, died Tuesday, May 12 after the injury on May 2. The 30-year-old was a member of the Premier Reserves squad and suffered an injury described only as “unsurvivable”. The team did not provide details.
The rugby star spent 10 days in the hospital before he passed.
The New Zealand Rugby League, in a statement, emphasised the importance of safety protocols in in a statement.
The statement specifically mentioned head injury and concussion protocols.
“This is truly heartbreaking and something we never want to see happen, and we are currently working alongside Auckland Rugby League, his club and other appropriate people,” the release read.
“NZRL places the utmost important on player safety and welfare and work hard to prevent such tragic outcomes. We have rigorous head injury and concussion protocols in place and work with our rugby league community to ensure appropriate resources and education are provided year-round.
“We urge anyone who sustains a head injury or experiences any symptoms to follow the guidelines in place, seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment and only return to play when advised and appropriate.”
Tributes flooded in from the teams for which Eugene played.
“Egene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad, and although a new Bears member had good friends within the club,” Glenora Bears chairwoman Janet Hunt said in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
“Eugene sustained an injury in the team’s first game of the season against Te Atatu, which was tragically unsurvivable.”
“To his family, friends, and teammates, we extend our sincere condolences. There are not enough words to express the unimaginable loss and grief you are feeling at this time. Forever in our hearts.”
Hanna also played football for the Renegades FC team in the New Zealand Christian Football League.
“Eugene is the heartbeat of Renegades,” the club said in a post on Instagram.
The club described him as “the biggest character”. It also called him “a brilliant player, but most importantly, the kindest person.”
