Wisbech Rugby Club remember 'hugely valued' player who died during match
A Wisbech player who went down during the match on Saturday has died
Last updated 15th Oct 2023
Wisbech Rugby Club have paid tribute to one of its players who died after going down on the pitch yesterday (October 14).
Arturas Rudys collapsed on the pitch during his team's match against Diss.
Ambulances were called to the Chapel Road ground in Wisbech following a collision between two players, and despite efforts to resuscitate him on the pitch, he passed away.
The Counties 1 Eastern Counties game was then abandoned.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Two ambulances, and ambulance officer and the air ambulance responded to call that a person had collapsed during a match at Wisbech Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon."
"The patient, a male in his 20s, was in cardiac arrest and responders carried out CPR, including using a defibrillator. Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics, the patient could not be resuscitated, and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this tragic time.”
In tribute to Arturas, 27, Wisbech Rugby Club described him as a "hugely valued and respected member of our club".
The club said: "Thanks to everyone who helped Arturas in his immediate moments of need yesterday.
"The club wishes to thank the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene.
"We are in touch with Arturas' family to offer our heartfelt sympathies and support."
A fundraiser set up in Arturas' memory has raised more than ÂŁ6,500.
Hundreds of messages of support and have poured in from the rugby community and clubs from all over the country.
Norfolk RFU posted a message on Facebook saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with our family and friends at Wisbech Rugby Club."
Norwich Rugby Club said: "The deepest condolences of everyone at Norwich Rugby Club to Wisbech Rugby Club and Diss Rugby Football Club and all affected by the tragic events of yesterday afternoon."
Cheshire RFU took to X (formerly Twitter) to say: "From Everyone in Cheshire RFU, Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family members and all of the friends, club members and officials at Wisbech RFU."
Wisbech Rugby Club have cancelled all rugby activities in the coming days as a mark of respect.