Grief over Franschoek tragedy

 

SARU president Oregan Hoskins expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those involved and said that the thoughts and prayers of all involved in rugby were with the club following the crash in which three people travelling on the bus lost their lives, as well as with two cyclists who were also seriously injured in the incident.

 

Players Russel Riffel and Denzil Boonzaier and supporter Abraham Lybrand were identified as having lost their lives. Several other members of the club were injured when their bus overturned.

 

“This was most shocking and distressing news to receive on a Saturday morning – a time when rugby people all over the country are looking forward to enjoy playing or watching rugby,” said Hoskins. 

 

“I can only imagine the shock and distress that must be going through the Franschhoek Rugby Club right now – indeed the whole town of Franschhoek; my heart goes out to them.

 

“This is a terrible blow for the club and I am sure it will never be forgotten.  My condolences go to those affected at this very distressing time.”

 

A moment’ silence was observed for the deceased before kick off at Newlands in Cape Town prior to the Super Rugby match between the Stormers and Sharks, and Sharks coach Gary Gold said that it put his team's defeat in perspective.

 

"On behalf of the Sharks we just want to extend our best wishes for the tragedy with the bus tour today and the players and supporters. It just puts things in perspective and as a rugby family we send out our condolences," he said.

 

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee also added his voice to those mourning the losses.

 

"Our hearts go out to the families of the Franschoek team who have lost loved ones. It has been a testing time in Cape town in the last week and now this as well, so from the Stormers we would like to sincerely sympathise and send our condolences," he said.