Rugby League teenager in Wakefield dies after head injury

A teenager playing rugby league in Wakefield has died having suffered a head injury playing for his club Stanley Rangers.

Evan Hawksworth, 14, was hurt in an U14s match against Batley Boys on Sunday suffering a head injury, with the club later confirming he had fallen into a coma and had been taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield before being moved to Leeds General Infirmary.

A previous club statement said there didn't appear to be "any obvious incident which caused the injury and there is no suspicion of foul play", but his tragic death was announced on Tuesday night.

The Yorkshire Junior and Youth Amateur Rugby League confirmed the devastating news, with Hawksworth's father saying he "passed away playing the game he loved".

Yorkshire Juniors also said a minute's applause will precede all games in the organisation this weekend, while a statement was issued by the club through the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

"It is with the deepest regret that the Stanley Rangers Club is announcing the sad passing of their under-14, player Evan Hawksworth," said the statement.

"The club wish to express their sincerest condolences to Evan's family.

"Steve Abrahams, Stanley Rangers' under-14 coach has informed Evan's teammates calling Evan 'our great friend, team-mate and all round good guy'.

"He will be missed by all who knew him and was a very special young man."

Gary Hawksworth added: "He was never without a rugby ball in his hands. This is a tragic freak accident and no-one is to blame".