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Tributes paid to 34-year-old rugby player who died at training
By Ian Cameron
Tributes have been paid to a 34-year-old rugby player who died during a training session in Cumbria on Thursday.
Penrith RUFC player and firefighter Ryan Johnson passed away suddenly during the session, despite the best efforts of his teammates and paramedics at the scene.
The former first-team captain and county player was described as a 'great player and person' and the 'the life and soul' of the fire crew he worked on. He leaves behind a wife and a young family.
A spokesperson from Penrith Rugby Club said: "It is with deepest regret that we report the passing of our club member, player, past first XV captain and county player Ryan Johnson.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Shiona, his children and the rest of his family at this very sad time.”
Gallagher Premiership side Newcastle Falcons extended their sympathies following the tragedy. "All at Newcastle Falcons are deeply saddened to hear the news of Ryan Johnson's passing earlier this week. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to his family, friends and all those at Penrith RUFC."
A club spokesperson from Aspatria RUFC said of the player: "Ryan was a great player and person and testament to him was the complete shock within our group, and I’m sure countless other team groups throughout the county upon the news."
A spokesperson from Penrith Fire Station wrote: "Ryan served as an on-call firefighter at Penrith Fire Station and was much loved by all the crew at Penrith, and throughout Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
"He was the life and soul of the crew and knew how to make everyone laugh with his charm and cracking ‘dad jokes’.
"He had a great relationship with everyone he worked with and everyone he crossed paths with, and his smiling face and positive attitude will be deeply missed.
"Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Shiona, his two children and the rest of his family at this very sad time."
Penrith RUFC have set up a Go Fund Me page for his family to help cover funeral costs and with financial burden of his sudden passing.
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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