Statement From SARFU/IRB on Death of John McCall

The South Africa Rugby Football Union (SARFU) and International Rugby Board (IRB) have expressed shock and sadness at the death of an Irish under 19 player on the opening day of the IRB U19 World Championship in Durban.

Flanker John McCall was taken to hospital after collapsing during the first half of the Irish match against New Zealand. At this stage the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed.

SARFU and the IRB have pledged their full support and offer their deepest sympathies to the player’s family as well as to the Irish under 19 team and management. SARFU and the IRB have also requested that the privacy of the McCall family and the Irish management and players in South Africa be respected.

Issued by the SARFU and IRB