Rugby Player, 30, Dies Days After Suffering 'Unsurvivable' Injury in Season-Opening Game
Rugby Player, 30, Dies Days After Suffering 'Unsurvivable' Injury in Season-Opening Game
Adam EnglandThu, May 14, 2026 at 10:41 AM UTC
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Eugene Hanna
Credit: Lynn-Avon United AFC Facebook
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Eugene Hanna, a rugby player in Auckland, New Zealand, died on Tuesday, May 12, after sustaining an injury in a game
The 30-year-old was injured while playing for Glenora Bears' Premier Reserves in the team's season opener on May 2
Hanna also played soccer, and his team Renegades FC called him the "biggest character" and "kindest person" in a tribute
New Zealand rugby player Eugene Hanna has died at the age of 30 after sustaining an injury during a game, his team has announced.
Glenora Bears chairwoman Janet Hunt confirmed in a social media post that Hanna died on Tuesday, May 12, after he was injured in a game against Te Atatu Roosters 10 days before.
Eugene Hanna
Credit: Lynn-Avon United AFC Facebook
"Eugene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad and although a new Bears member had good friends within the club," Hunt wrote.
"Eugene sustained an injury in the team's first game of the season against Te Atatu which was tragically unsurvivable," she added.
Hunt thanked the Roosters team members who helped at the scene following Hanna's injury, as well as the EMTs and medical staff at Auckland Hospital.
"To his family, friends and teammates we extend our sincere condolences," she finished. "There are not enough words to express the unimaginable loss and grief you are feeling at this time. Forever in our hearts."
Stock photo of a rugby player with a ball
Credit: Getty
The New Zealand Rugby League also sent its condolences to Hanna's loved ones in a statement, calling his death "heartbreaking" and "something we never want to see happen."
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Hanna also played soccer, and his team Renegades FC posted a tribute on Instagram. "Eugene is the heartbeat of Renegades," the post read. "He was the biggest character, a brilliant player, but most importantly the kindest person."
Other sports teams Hanna previously represented also posted messages.
Alongside a photo of the 30-year-old smiling, soccer team Lynn-Avon United AFC wrote on Facebook, "He was known by many club members and will be remembered as a genuine all round good bloke. The Committee and club extend our sincere condolences to Eugene's family and friends."
Australian rules football team Waitakere Magpies also wrote on Facebook that Hanna was "a player that had respect across the league for his hard running play style, but was a great character off the field that brought a lot of laughs and entertainment throughout the squad and league."
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They added that his death would leave a "big hole in our hearts," but that his legacy would live on with the memory of a game-winning goal in a final match in 2016.
on People
Source: “AOL Sports”
