Bulls mourn 'family member'

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union is mourning the loss of one of its own, following the tragic death of promising under-21 forward Nico van Vuuren - who passed away in a motor vehicle accident at the weekend.

"Nico van Vuuren, Blue Bulls Under-21 prop and hooker, recruited from Hoërskool Nelspruit, sadly passed away yesterday in Komatipoort," the Bulls said in a statement on the union's official web page.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, brother, family and friends."

SA Rugby on Sunday also paid tribute to the youngster via their twitter account.

"Condolences to family, friends of Blue Bulls u21 hooker/prop Nico van Vuuren who died in car crash on weekend," SA Rugby tweeted.

The 20-year-old was part of the Blue Bulls' squad in the Under-21 competition this year.