Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Our great Game provides us all with moments of elation, of comradeship, and, on occasions, of sadness and reflection.

Yesterday we lost Joshua, who, whilst playing, suffered a heart attack; despite the efforts of an ambulance crew and an air ambulance, to whom we give our grateful thanks, Josh could not be revived.

I understand that his Father, Howard, a long-time Rugby servant to Suffolk, was called to the pitch, and was with Josh when he passed away – some small crumb of comfort, no doubt, at a terrible time.

We send our commiserations to Howard, his family, and to Josh’s girlfriend Lucy at what must be a heart-breaking moment. Also to Josh’s playing buddies, and all at Thurston Rugby Club, who all have to deal with what must have been a traumatic event; the fact that Josh was playing with his mates in a game that he loved might provide some comfort in the quiet moments of their memories.

Roger Pierson

Hon.Secretary and RFU Council Member, ECRU