Rugby participant, 30, dies days after ‘unsurvivable’ match harm as golf equipment pay tribute
Eugene Hanna, 30, of the Glenora Bears suffered a critical injury during a match on May 2 during his team’s opening match and died 10 days later, as tributes pour in from his clubs
Eugene Hanna suffered an injury described as “unsurvivable”(Image: Waitakere Magpies/Facebook)
A New Zealand rugby player has passed away following an injury sustained during his team’s season opener.
Eugene Hanna, from the Glenora Bears in Auckland, died on Tuesday, May 12 after suffering an injury during a match on May 2. Hanna, 30, was part of the Premier Reserves squad and endured an injury described simply as “unsurvivable”. The club did not provide detail on his injury.
The rugby star battled for 10 days in hospital before his death.
The New Zealand Rugby League issued a statement stressing the critical nature of safety measures.
The statement particularly highlighted head injury and concussion procedures, reports the Mirror.
“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.”
Heartfelt tributes poured in from the clubs Eugene represented throughout his career.
“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 expressed 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 shared in a post on Instagram.
The club characterised him as “the biggest character”. It also labelled him “a brilliant player, but most importantly, the kindest person.”
