Post-mortem tomorrow on Irish player

RUGBY: A post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow into the tragic death of 18-year-old John McCall, the Royal School Armagh student who collapsed while playing for Ireland against New Zealand in the opening game of the under-19 World Cup at the ABSA Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Saturday.

John's father, Ian, is on his way to South Africa and the investigation into the cause of death will begin when he arrives.

McCall caught the ball at the back of a lineout, was tackled around the ankles and, after being grounded, laid the ball back. He never got up.

The game was stopped for some 12 minutes while he was treated on the pitch before being removed by stretcher to a waiting ambulance.

He was confirmed dead at St Augustine's Hospital, Durban, having reportedly never regained consciousness.

This dreadful tragedy has understandably cast a pall over the tournament and devastated the Irish camp. The IRFU have confirmed they will leave the final decision about whether to continue to participate up to the Ireland under-19 management team and players.

A spokesperson confirmed: "Whatever is decided by the management and players in South Africa will be supportively endorsed by the IRFU."

Speaking from their hotel in Durban, Ireland team manager Michael Cunningham confirmed no decision on further participation in the tournament would be taken until today.

"We haven't made any decision yet but will probably do so today. As you can imagine everyone is devastated by what has happened," Cunningham said.

New Zealand team manager Greg Shipton admitted: "Our team is simply devastated. Our thoughts go to the Irish team and the family of the player.

"There is nothing we can say to make this tragedy go away - we are devastated. The result of today's game means nothing."

John was a young forward of rich promise, as evidenced by how on St Patrick's Day he led Royal School Armagh to only their second Ulster Schools' Senior Cup title.

His uncle Brian McCall, a member of the first Armagh schools-winning team, 27 years ago, came on as a replacement for Philip Matthews against France in Ireland's last Triple Crown-winning season, 1985.

John McCall also represented Ulster Schools and was about to be asked to join the Ulster senior squad for training purposes. The day he led Armagh to their schools crown he received news he would be travelling with the Ireland under-19s to South Africa.

The headmaster of Royal School Armagh, Paul Crute, admitted: "It is so difficult to take it in. He had his whole future ahead of him. It is just so unexpected. He had received his entire education, almost 14 years, at the school, as had his sister and father. His brother James still attends the school.

"John was a young man of character, motivation and resolve, who was determined to make his mark in his chosen profession - he hoped to study architecture at Queen's University - as well as his sport. It is tragic to lose a young man of his calibre and demeanour so young and with such an outstanding future."

His coach, former Ireland wing Kenny Hooks, said John's Armagh team-mates were devastated.

"They all went to visit the family as a group. They have found it difficult because they are more than a team. They have spent so much time together and there is a very close bond between them."

This is the second major tragedy to hit Irish sport recently, following on the death of Tyrone Gaelic football captain Cormac McAnallen.

There was a particularly poignant moment at Omagh yesterday: a minute's silence to honour John McCall prior to the National Football League clash between Tyrone and Cork.