Young Falcons lock gone too soon

SA Rugby President Oregan Hoskins on Wednesday extended his condolences to the family and teammates of Yamwimbi.

The 17-year old  attended the Rhodesfield Technical High School, and  participated in the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Oudtshoorn last year.

He was named in this year's Craven Week team for the tournament at Kearsney College in Durban next week.

"On behalf of SA Rugby I would like to extend sincere condolences to Jean-Jireh’s family and to his teammates who were preparing to travel to the U18 Craven Week with him," said Mr Hoskins.

"This is a very sad day for South African rugby.

"We are halfway through the SA Rugby Youth Weeks, which is a time in which we celebrate the youth who share a deep passion for the game, and a week in which they have the opportunity to showcase their talent against the best players from other provinces, and instead we are mourning the passing of a player who had so much to offer.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean-Jireh’s family, friends and his [Falcons'] teammates at this very sad time,"

As a sign of respect to Yamwimbi, the Falcons will not replace the player in their travelling group, and will have a squad of only 22 players at the U18 Craven Week.