‘A brilliant young man and team mate’
A talented rugby league player tipped as a star of the future has died aged 18.
Logan Holgate, who was on the under-18 pathway at Salford and was selected for the England Community Lions under-19s last year, died suddenly on Wednesday.
Tributes have poured in for the teen who was remembered for his exploits on and off the field, with the Rugby Football League (RFL) saying Holgate had a great “work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour” and would leave a “lasting legacy”.
The RFL confirmed Wednesday that the Cumbrian teenager, who had been playing for Hensingham alongside his role in Salford’s development set-up, had died.
Salford Red Devils tweeted: “Everyone at Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Logan Holgate.
“Logan played for our U18s pathway alongside @hensingham_arl and was set to move up to the reserve team this season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time.”
Everyone at Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Logan Holgate.
Logan played for our U18s pathway alongside @hensingham_arl and was set to move up to the reserve team this season.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time. pic.twitter.com/cjk0otIT6I
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) January 11, 2023
England Community Lions send Logan Holgate Tribute.
It is with a heavy heart that we give this news. Thank you for everything Logan. https://t.co/LwzE2DpjoM pic.twitter.com/aWpgIJD9Js— England Community Lions RL (@lions_rl) January 11, 2023
Castleford Tigers are saddened to hear of the passing of Logan Holgate.
Head Coach Lee Radford, whose son Bradley toured with Logan last year, shared his and the Club's condolences saying: "All of our thoughts are with Logan's family & friends and this devastating time." https://t.co/BX0q3cawWY
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 11, 2023
The RFL noted how the hooker had followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Ellison, to represent the Lions and had all the makings of a great player.
The league said everyone connected with the England Community Lions Programme “was saddened to hear about the sudden passing” of Holgate.
The RFL wrote in a statement: “The talented hooker, who played with distinction for Hensingham, including in the melting pot of the National Conference last season, followed the family tradition in represent the Lions, hot on the heels of big brother Ellison and younger brother Fletcher.”
The league said Holgate had first caught attention of officials in 2021 when he made his Lions debut for the Under 16s in a victory over Wales at Colwyn Bay.
“Such was his burgeoning club form, that it wasn’t long before he was firmly in the plans of the Under 19s selectors, firstly impressing in trials, before making the final touring squad that created history in Italy last September.
“Whilst in Italy, he was a virtual ever present during the exhausting six game qualifying day, impressing team mates and staff alike with his work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour.”
Holgate then played “superbly”, the league noted, in the Semi Final and again in the final as the Lions “swept aside Wales before defeating France to win the Under 19 European Championships for the first time in dramatic and emotional scenes”.
“He leaves a lasting legacy on the programme and staff – a brilliant young man and team mate. All our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this devastating time.”
Hensingham ARLC, the club Holgate represented at youth level and at open age, also paid tribute to the teenager, writing: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of one our lads, Logan Holgate today.
“Logan has been with the club since he was young and has been playing for our open age and under 18’s this year. We would like to place on record our condolences to the family and friends. “We are all devastated at the news and will continue to support the family as much as we can. RIP Logan.”
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