English club rugby player Jack Jeffery dies after match injury
This article is written by www.bbc.co.uk
A rugby player who was seriously hurt while scoring a try during a match has died.
Jack Jeffery
Evesham Rugby Club winger Jack Jeffery, 27, was taken to hospital after being injured in the seniors league game against Berkswell and Balsall on Saturday, 12th February.
The cause of his death, which his father Glenn described as a “one-in-a-million freak rugby accident” is not clear.
His sister Daisy Jeffrey said: “My beautiful baby brother. I can’t even believe I’m having to write these words.
“I’m so sorry they couldn’t save you. And I’m so sorry I had to kiss you goodnight in that hospital bed. You were just 27 and had your whole life ahead of you.
“It was just a simple game of rugby, like any other Saturday doing what you loved most. You scored an amazing try but just one accidental tackle and you never got back up.”
Club chairman Dave Summerfield said the players were reeling as "it was such a terrible shock", adding: "As a club, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from the rugby community.
“Jack was calm, respected and highly thought of. Our club and community have lost such a bright light."
A flag was flown at half-mast at Evesham Rugby Club as a mark of respect for the "extremely popular player", Mr Summerfield said.
The RFU, World Rugby, Worcester Warriors and Progressive Rugby were among thousands from the Rugby family that have offered their condolences.
Evesham have thanked everyone who had supported Mr Jeffery "in his moment of need" and for the messages of support received from other clubs.
Rugby clubs up and down the country are set to hold a minute’s applause before matches and retire their number 11 shirts for one weekend – 19-20th February - in memory of Jack.