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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Rugby player Kawa Leauma dies aged 32 after Amsterdam accident

Spanish rugby player Kawa Leauma has died at the age of 32 following an accident in Amsterdam.

Leauma had reportedly fallen eight metres from a room, suffering head injuries and resulting in him being hospitalised in a critical condition.

The Spanish Rugby Union confirmed on Tuesday morning that the second-row had passed away.

An official statement said: “The Spanish Rugby Federation regrets to announce the death of Kawa Leauma overnight, AMPO Ordizia and XV del León player, who suffered an accident on Saturday, December 18 after Spain’s match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

“At the express wish of his wife, who is currently travelling to the Dutch capital, we cannot give any further information at the moment and we ask for the utmost respect for her and her family.

“Rest in peace, Kawa.”

Leauma, who had travelled to Amsterdam with the Spanish team for their Six Nations B match, had been in intensive care and undergone surgery to try to reduce the damage from the severe head injury caused by the fall after the match.

He was unable to play against the Netherlands due to “doubts over his eligibility following a change in qualification regulations" - having been hopeful to make his official debut, having played an unofficial game for Spain against Italy in October.

Before looking to represent Spain, Leauma had played for Samoan's under-20s and a number of Auckland clubs.

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