Club Mourns the Tragic Death of Rugby Player Arturas Rudys During Match
The rugby community is in mourning after the devastating death of rugby player Arturas Rudys during a match on Saturday. The 27-year-old player collapsed on the field, prompting immediate action from first responders who carried out CPR, including using a defibrillator. Despite their efforts, Rudys could not be resuscitated and tragically passed away at the scene.
The incident occurred during a match between Diss Rugby Football Club and Wisbech Rugby Club in the Eastern Counties First Division fixture. Diss Rugby announced on Facebook that the game had been abandoned following the incident.
In a statement released on Sunday, Wisbech Rugby Club expressed their profound sadness over the loss of Arturas Rudys. The club described him as a highly valued and respected member who had been with the club since 2013. Wisbech RFC extended their gratitude to everyone who assisted in helping Rudys during his immediate moments of need, including club first aiders, teammates, and Diss RFC. They also thanked the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene. The club is actively supporting Rudys’ family during this difficult time.
As a mark of respect, Wisbech Rugby Club has decided to cancel all rugby activities in the coming days. This gesture allows the club and its members to process the tragic loss and honor the memory of their teammate.
In a touching display of support, a GoFundMe page was set up by Rudys’ partner, Jolita Kiseliovaite, to assist with funeral expenses and provide support. By Sunday afternoon, the page had already raised over £6,000, highlighting the outpouring of generosity and care from the rugby community and beyond.
David Dobson, the club secretary, spoke highly of Arturas Rudys, emphasizing his warmth and enthusiasm when he joined the club. Dobson revealed that Rudys had previously played rugby in Lithuania before moving to England, and his passion for the sport quickly made a positive impact on both his peers and older players. Rudys was determined to improve his game and readily made himself available to play.
The tragic death of Arturas Rudys serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with competitive sports. The rugby community, alongside friends, family, and supporters, must come together to mourn the loss of a talented player and extend their heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones. The memory of Arturas Rudys will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him both on and off the field.
