RUGBY clubs in Herefordshire have joined the tributes to a talented young Worcestershire rugby player who tragically died during a match this weekend.
Jack Jeffery was playing for Evesham RFC against Berkswell and Balsall yesterday (February 12) when he was injured while scoring a try.
He was taken to the hospital and died later that day.
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A club statement from Evesham RFC called him “too good for even the All Blacks”.
“It is with immeasurable sadness that we have to report the tragic loss of our beloved Jack Jeffery following our Seniors League fixture at Berkswell and Balsall yesterday.”
In a social media post, Ledbury Rugby Football Club said: “LRFC sends our sincere condolences, thoughts, love and prayers to his family and friends at an incredibly sad time.”
Luctonians Sports Club said: “Such tragic news. Our thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends and everyone at Evesham Rugby Club. RIP Jack.”
Hereford Rugby Football Club said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family and friends of Jack Jeffery.”
Hereford’s Greyhound Rugby Club said: “From everyone at Greyhound Rugby Club: our thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends and team-mates at this terrible time.”
Evesham Rugby Club said: “Jack was adding another try to his phenomenal record and during the act and subsequent challenge of scoring he was injured.
“He was taken to Walgrave Hospital where he tragically lost his fight.
“A more committed, loyal ‘clubman’ is hard to find. He would often return from London for training and was always at the heart of club activities.
“He served his club, his teammates and the county with distinction and provided much satisfaction to the club supporters in knowing exactly where the whitewash was.
“As a club, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from the rugby community. Jack was calm, respected and highly thought of.
“Our club and community have lost such a bright light.
“On behalf of Evesham Rugby, I thank everyone whom supported Jack in his moment of need yesterday and for all the messages of support I have received from other clubs and the North Mids Union.
“As a mark of respect our club is closed today. We fly at half-mast.
“Please take a moment today in your prayers and take your moment of silence for Jack, his family, loved ones and friends.”
Worcester Warriors also shared their condolences, with a tribute saying: “The thoughts of all at Sixways are with the family, friends and team-mates of Evesham RFC player Jack Jeffery who tragically lost his life after yesterday’s match at Berkswell and Balsall.”
Further tributes came in from Worcestershire County Cricket Club and RFC Worcester, whose chairman Steve Lloyd wrote: “All at WRFC offer thoughts, prayers, love and heartfelt condolences to Jack Jeffery, his family and friends and all at Evesham RFC
“We stand with you and are here to call on if ever needed.”