French Player Dies In Changing Room After Being Substituted In Friendly Match

RIP.

French Rugby is in mourning today after the shocking death of a young player during a second division friendly match on Friday night.

21-year-old centre Louis Fajfrowski died in the changing room of his club Aurillac last night, the PRO D2 team announced on Twitter. He was substituted after a heavy tackle in the 60th minute.

Fajfrowski was reportedly stunned, but got to his feet with assistance, and left the pitch and walked unaided to the changing rooms, accompanied by a doctor.

There he lost consciousness several times. Despite the arrival of the emergency services he passed away around 2000 local time (1800GMT), according to La Montagne newspaper. An official investigation has begun into the cause of death with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.

“We will find out why he died and if the tackle provoked his death,” the local prosecutor’s office said.

According to the prosecutor, when the player “left the pitch his condition did not appear to be alarming. He even wanted to return (to play) afterwards, but he then began to vomit”.

Tributes were made to the youngster, with French rugby federation chief Bernard Laporte saying he was “devastated”. Top14 clubs including Stade Francais, Toulon and Racing 92 also added their condolences.

Agence France-Presse

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