SA Rugby is investigating a breach of Covid-19 regulations during which a young rugby player from a Border club tragically passed away after picking up a serious injury during a tournament match.

The deceased player is Vizicelo Sebenza Zondani and the incident happened at a tournament at Ngqwele Location near King William’s Town on Saturday, 24 October.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander shared his condolences with the family, saying the tragic incident should not have happened.

‘This is a tragic incident that should never have happened, and our hearts go out to the family, friends and teammates of Vizicelo,’ Alexander said.

‘Unfortunately, this goes directly against our Covid-19 guidelines around return to training, as all amateur rugby matches have been suspended for the year due to the pandemic and all our unions, clubs and other bodies know this.

‘This tournament should never have taken place and we will launch a full investigation into the incident, as well as the tournament.’

SA Rugby again reiterated that its Covid-19 committee (CovCom) had approved a proposal to allow amateur clubs, universities, associate members and schools teams to return to training under certain strict conditions, and that return to play will not be permitted in 2020.

Photo: Gallo Images