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Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:25 pm**

Official RFL statement taken from Celtic Crusaders web site.

RFL Statement - Celtic Crusaders v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Tonight's Celtic Crusaders versus Wakefield Wildcats game was postponed due to the tragic death of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player Leon Walker in a Reserve team fixture.

Walker collapsed in the 63rd minute of a game against Celtic Crusaders Reserves at Maesteg rugby union ground.

He was airlifted to Morriston Hospital, Swansea where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Chairman Ted Richardson Said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved with Rugby League. Clearly everybody at the club is devestated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with the family at this time."

Nigel Wood, RFL Chief Executive, said: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."

Twenty one year old Walker, a second rower or loose forward, signed for Wakefield in November 2008 having spent three years at Salford City Reds where he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England in 2007.

Before joining Salford Walker played for amateur side Churwell Chiefs.

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:26 pm**

Feel numb. Am a mum of a young rugby player and it has totally got to me. So sorry for Leon's family, especially his mum on Mothers Day. ALL the Rugby League family share your loss

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:28 pm**

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... field.html

Wakefield's engage Super League match against Celtic Crusaders this evening was postponed following the death of one of their reserve players.

Leon Walker, 20, who was in his first season with Wakefield, is thought to have suffered a heart attack during the Wildcats reserves' match against their Crusaders counterparts at Maesteg on Sunday afternoon.

Eye witnesses reported the player going awkwardly into a tackle, getting to his feet and playing the ball before then collapsing.

Attempts were made on the field to revive him and the match was abandoned after 63 minutes while he was airlifted to the Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Rugby Football League took the decision to postpone the Super League match between the two clubs, which was due to be shown live on Sky Sports.

Initially no reason was given for the decision, other than "unforeseen circumstances", because the player's parents had not been informed.

On Sunday night Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved within rugby league.

"Clearly everybody at the club is devastated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with his family at this time."

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."

Walker joined the Wildcats from Salford City Reds on a one-year deal in November.

The second row or loose forward joined Salford from Leeds amateur club Churwell Chiefs and during his three years with the Manchester club earned representative honours at academy level with Yorkshire and England in 2007.

Tragic, indeed.

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:31 pm**

This truly is another sad day for rugby league.
RIP Leon Walker.

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:33 pm**

It puts everything into perspective doesnt it. Very sad news and loss to our game. A man who loved our sport and was happy being a part of it.

Marc

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:42 pm**

RIP Leon

Such a sad day for our great sport, my prayers are with your family, friends and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you.

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:06 pm**

Shocking news,

All thoughts are with his family,

I think ist important that people wait until the club officially anounce the cause of death (if indeed they wish to), as the media will be giving different reasons for his death, all be it not their intention they can get it wrong.

R.I.P Leon

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:09 pm**

Our Thoughts are with Leon's Family. When a tradgedy like this happens, it affects the extended family of the Rugby World. I think I can speak for everyone; that Leon will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

RIP leon

Posted: **Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:38 pm**

:eusa2:

Well said. I 100% agree.

:eusa2:

Posted: **Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:23 am**

RIP Leon Walker God Bless

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Re: Crusaders v Wildcats - Postponed...

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Re: Tragic Death of Wakefield Trinity Player / Celts v Wakefield postponed

Re: Tragic Death of Wakefield Trinity Player / Celts v Wakefield postponed

Re: Tragic Death of Wakefield Trinity Player / Celts v Wakefield postponed