South African schoolboy player dies following head injury

A South African schools rugby player has tragically died after suffering a head injury during a game on Saturday.

Dale College first team rugby player Liyabona Teyise, who was 18-years-old, died in hospital following the injury suffered match against Port Rex Technical High School first team.

According to school officials Teyise lost consciousness very briefly, but was then able to walk off the field where he was attended to by a pitch-side medical team. After having trouble breathing and being given oxygen, Teyise was then rushed to Frere Provincial Hospital where he underwent an emergency CT Scan which revealed bleeding on the brain. He died during the night.

Dale College headmaster Garth Shaw was at the venue and, along with Teyise's family with the incident happening just before halftime. Teyise played lock and was wearing a scrum cap and it was reported the 18-year-old wanted to return to the playing field shortly after having been taken off for blood, but he was rushed to hospital instead with the referee suspecting a concussion while he also suffered a fit on the sidelines.

"He was a fantastic, brilliant kid," Shaw told Sport24. "I have spoken to members of staff this morning who have all confirmed the same very positive reflections. He was hard-working, polite, diligent, respectful and also respected by everyone - his peers and teachers - at the school.

"It's just so tragic and I'm absolutely devastated for his family."

This is the second tragedy to hit the Eastern Cape school in a matter of days after 17-year-old Lisakhanya 'Carter' Lwana, also a first team rugby player, was found dead on Tuesday having been missing since last Saturday.

"It's horrendous," said Shaw."It's almost impossible to believe that our school has gone through this in a matter of days, but I am just devastated for both of the families. The support from everyone including the department of education, from within the school, the governing body and the entire community has been incredible."