English rugby player dies after collapsing while training
Doncaster prop forward Ian Williams has died after he collapsed at training, the Greene King IPA Championship club have announced.
Prop forward Ian Williams, 27, who joined the Knights from neighbours Rotherham last summer, collapsed during a session at Castle Park and could not be resuscitated.
Williams, an Oxford graduate, made six appearances for his club, who said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that Doncaster RFC announces the passing of prop forward Ian Williams.
"Ian collapsed at training at Castle Park this morning and, despite the best efforts of the emergency response team, could not be resuscitated.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Ian's mother Pippa, father Phillip and and sister Helen and are working with a counselling team in the best interest of Ian's team-mates.
"The club will be making no further comment at this time."
Williams' former club Rotherham led the tributes to the prop forward. In a statement posted on Twitter, the club said:
@RotherhamRugby are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that former prop forward Ian Williams has passed away. As a Club we pass on our deepest sympathies to Ian's family & close friends #RugbyFamily pic.twitter.com/mPORmaDLC6
— Rotherham Titans (@RotherhamRugby) February 20, 2018
England forward Joe Marler expressed his sympathies:
Thoughts are with everyone @DoncasterKnight and the family and friends of Ian Williams.
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) February 20, 2018
Aviva Premiership side Harlequins said on their official account:
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Harlequins go out to the family and friends of Ian Williams and all at @DoncasterKnight https://t.co/vorScmWacj
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) February 20, 2018
Gloucester fly-half Billy Burns tweeted:
London Irish wing Alex Lewington said:
Ospreys, the Greene King IPA Championship account and the Rugby Players' Association also expressed their condolences.
Tragic news today about former @swansearfc @bridgendravens and @Mumbles_RFC prop Ian Williams. The thoughts of everybody at Ospreys Rugby are with Ian's family and friends, and his colleagues @DoncasterKnight at this very sad time.
— Ospreys (@ospreys) February 20, 2018
RIP Ian https://t.co/n9pLUqq1nw
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of @DoncasterKnight prop Ian Williams who tragically passed away in training this morning: https://t.co/TK36AiYNzj pic.twitter.com/gU0B578ust
— Championship Rugby (@Champrugby) February 20, 2018
On behalf of all #RPA members we're sending our deepest condolences to the family & friends of Ian Williams, and everyone at @DoncasterKnight. #RugbyFamily #RugbyPlayersUnited https://t.co/eTlLFujcMK
— The RPA (@theRPA) February 20, 2018
