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32-year-old dual code player collapses and dies during match
By Online Editors
Tributes are being paid after a 32-year-old dual code rugby league and union player collapsed and died during a match in Yorkshire yesterday.
Birkenshaw Bluedogs' Max Blakeley was playing summer rugby league in a Yorkshire Men's League Division Five match at Heworth Rugby League Club's ground at Elmpark Way when the tragedy occurred.
Blakeley - who plays union during the Winter for Cleckheaton RUFC - left the field feeling unwell. He subsequently collapsed at halftime.
He was attended to by first-aiders with a defibrillator, who desperately attempted to resuscitate the prop.
An ambulance arrived from a local hospital but tragically Mr Blakeley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Birkenshaw Bulldogs released a statement: "Birkenshaw Rugby League Club are sorry to inform of the passing of 32-year-old Max Blakeley.
"Max came off the pitch and later became poorly. Paramedics were called but were unable to revive him. His family have requested privacy at this difficult time. The club will issue a further statement when appropriate."
Tributes have been paid across both sports.
Cleckheaton RUFC described him as a 'club stalwart'.
"It is with the deepest sadness that we have to report the passing today of Cleckheaton player Max Blakely.
"Max was a club stalwart and we are devastated. Sleep tight Max you will be sorely missed"
Super League giants Bradford Bulls also paid tribute on Twitter: "Everyone at the Bradford Bulls is very sad to hear of the passing of Maxwell Clinton Blakeley who passed away during Birkenshaw’s game earlier today.
"Prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone in Rugby League community at this extremely traumatic time. R.I.P."
A poster on the Cleckheaton's website said: "Devastating news to hear about Max he enjoyed his life whether up or down and nothing bothered him as long as he was with his mates playing the game he loved followed by a few beers.
Max you will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of your company the whole of CRUFC and more recently the juniors who you helped to coach."
Many paid tribute across Twitter.
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Latest Comments
Trump is most definitely random.
In this context though we are talking about the tone of recent event’s on this websites articles, which came well before Trump was made a fool and retaliated. Surely you read the part were I said it’s unfortunate given that they’re trying to find new sponsorship right now?
Well year I couldn’t comment on that, haven’t watched league up their in yonks, but I’ll say the Prem sides I’ve seen in CC certainly match you’re description of them. Pro rugby here only had the summer window, so I’d imagine that helps a lot in terms of scoring though, as do South Africa’s hard grounds? The rugby is the rugby anyway, I was more interested in the broadcast quality perspective. France’s is unique right? Prem on BT used to have some pretty dour sideline analysis, but that was half due the look, being two guys standing on the side of the pitch at night in your winter talking about the game. SRP does that now but is full on ott.
Go to commentsRight. But are they actually doing anything to ever base themselves in the islands with a mostly Pi born roster?
Or are they just content to be a 6th NZ team, filling their squad with Kiwis and Aussies (and an Englishman), spreading the talent even thinner than it already is, and make excuses every season why it’s not possible to play in the islands, let alone be based there? No, because most of their squad would rather stay home than do that.
If the Drua can manage all these things, why can’t this ‘island’ side?
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