A promising Huddersfield Giants rugby player has died at the age of 17 after being seriously injured in an under-19s match.
Ronan Costello was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary after the incident during the game against Salford on Saturday.
The teenager sustained a serious head or neck injury in what was thought to be a routine challenge during the game, which was immediately abandoned.
On Tuesday Ronan’s family said they were “truly heartbroken” by their loss, as tributes poured in from across rugby league.
“We are absolutely devastated to lose Ronan so tragically and suddenly,” said a statement from the Costello family.
“Ronan was a loving and caring 17 year old lad who was dedicated to his family and friends. He was a credit to all of his family and we are so proud of him and his achievements. He was passionate about rugby and rugby was a big part of his life. We acknowledge that this was a tragic accident.
“As a family, we wish to extend our appreciation to Leeds General Infirmary’s Neuro Intensive Care Unit for their dedication, respect and efforts in caring for Ronan and to the Giants, especially Andy [Kelly, head of youth performance] and Richard [Thewlis, managing director] who have been a great support to us all during such a difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us but we now need some privacy and time to grieve. We are all truly heartbroken and Ronan will be missed and forever in our hearts.”
Costello, a talented centre or back-row forward, joined the Giants last year after successful spells at Brighouse Rangers and Lindley Swifts. In 2012 he scored 11 tries in one game for Lindley against Doncaster Toll Bar.
Costello’s death is the latest tragedy to hit the sport, just over 12 months on from the death of the Keighley Cougars player Danny Jones, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a Kingstone Press League 1 game against London Skolars.
Paula Sherriff, the Labour MP for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton, tweeted: “Desperately sad news. Thoughts and prayers with his family and all at @Giantsrl and #RLFamily.”
The Huddersfield Giants added: “The club have been asked by the family to send their thanks for the messages of support they have received to date and have requested that all well-wishers now allow them to grieve and respect their privacy. The Huddersfield Giants are collating all messages, cards and tweets that they receive to pass to the family at the appropriate time.”
Nigel Wood, the chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “We are all incredibly saddened by news of the death of Huddersfield Giants academy player Ronan Costello. It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Ronan’s family and friends at this time.
“We will work with both clubs involved in the game to ensure that the players, their families and friends are fully supported by the RFL Benevolent Fund and through Sporting Chance.”
Rugby league players, fans and friends of the youngster paid tribute on social media. The Huddersfield full-back Ryan Brierley wrote: “Heartbroken, absolutely devastated about young Ronan, rest in peace brother”.
Huddersfield’s academy coach Chris Thorman tweeted: “Rest in peace, young man. You were a pleasure to be around.”
Olsi Krasniqi, the Salford Devils player, said: “Absolutely heartbreaking, thoughts go out to all his loved ones”.
Wakefield Wildcats player Scott Moore added: “Mega sad news!! #RIPRonanCostello thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family”.
