A popular rugby player from Ravensmead has been declared brain dead after he was tackled during a club match over the weekend.
Kyle Barnes, 31, is a winger for the Goodwood Rugby Club and on Saturday his first team faced Strand Rugby Club on their home turf in the Helderberg Basin.
Goodwood lost 21-35.
The Super League C division game started on a high note, but ended in tragedy as Barnes, a father of two,
sustained serious injuries after he was tackled mid-air and landed badly.
He underwent surgery for neck and head injuries and to relieve swelling on his brain.
His family was not available for comment on Wednesday.
Western Province President Thelo Wakefield confirmed the incident and says this is not the first tragic incident to occur on the rugby field this year.
ASSISTING FAMILY: WP boss Wakefield. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA)
“This is a very unfortunate incident. This is the second incident in the union as a result of on the field injury,” Wakefield says.
Wakefield says Western Province will be assisting the family throughout the terrible ordeal.
“The union feels with the family. We are trying to assist the family and we have made contact with them and we hope it all works out well,” he says.
Wakefield says it will be a sombre day for Barnes’ twins who will be celebrating their birthday [Thursday].
“It will be his children’s eighth birthday [Thursday]. We will go out and show our support to the children.
“I have been speaking to the players of the Currie Cup and asked them to come out and try and brighten the children’s day,” Wakefield says.
He says the family are now preparing to say goodbye to Kyle.
“There is nothing further to say. Everything is now in the hands of the hospital and their personnel.
“We hope to have more information soon.
“We are trying to respect the family’s wishes as they share their last moments with Kyle,” Wakefield added.