An English Premiership rugby player has been praised for the courage and character shown in turning out for Bristol Bears on Saturday just hours after the sudden death of his sister in New Zealand.
Centre Siale Piutau took to the field in Bristol's crucial west country derby with Bath at Twickenham after hearing that morning sister Ema, a defence lawyer from Auckland, had died following a short illness.
He could well have been joined on the pitch by brother Charles, but the 17-times All Blacks full-back is injured and offered support from the stands.
Siale started the game at centre as Bristol gained a potentially priceless bonus point in their 26-19 defeat.
And the courage to play in such a big game following the devastating news, drew glowing praise from Bears coach Pat Lam.
He told the Bristol Post: “Straight away when I saw him the morning of the game I gave him the option to pull out of the game, but he said no, he was determined to play that game.
“That is why Siale is one of our leaders, he is a captain. Both of them are quality people but certainly Siale is a real leader and team man. Both of them see this team as their family away from their family.
“We had enough cover to step up but he wanted to play.
“Charles and the rest of the family came up to support him and the rest of the team, so I spoke with him then.
“They will both head back home [to Auckland] for the funeral this week, back home with all their family.”
Little-known Welshman about to become longest-serving player at Premiership employers
