Rest in peace, Kawa Leauma
Spanish rugby international Kawa Leauma has died at the age of 32 after an accident in which he fell from a building in the Netherlands.
According to the BBC, Leauma reportedly fell from ‘six to eight metres’ in which he suffered severe head injuries. The 32-year-old was taken to hospital and underwent two emergency operations, however sadly died in a hospital in Amsterdam on Tuesday (21 December).
The New Zealand-born lock had been in the Netherlands for Spain’s Six Nations B match but was an unused substitute for the game.
The Spanish Rugby Federation released a statement confirming the news of the death of Leauma, however they declined to provide more information “at the express wish of his wife”, following the “freak accident”.
They 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 18 December 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.”
The 32-year-old spent the early stages of international career featuring for Samoa at Under-20 level whilst playing large spells of his domestic rugby in New Zealand before moving to the Sydney Rays in Australia.
Leauma’s most recent club was First Division Spanish side Ordizia whilst he made one unofficial appearance for the Spanish national team.
Former England captain and chairman of the World Rugby Federation, Bill Beaumont passed on his condolences on Twitter, saying: “My thoughts are with his teammates & family at this difficult time.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Spain international Kawa Leauma. My thoughts are with his teammates & family at this difficult time
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) December 21, 2021
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