Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin has died after breaking his neck in a match for the French club.
The 19-year-old was rushed to hospital after suffering the injury in contact and the club later confirmed on Wednesday evening he had succumbed to his injuries that caused him to go into cardiac arrest.
A statement released by Stade Francais read: “It is with great sadness that the Stade Francais Paris announces the death of Nicolas Chauvin, young hopeful of the club, who died tonight at CHU Pellegrin in Bordeaux.
“Following an accident at the Espoirs game in Begles, Nicolas suffered a cervical trauma that resulted in cardiac arrest and cerebral anoxia.
“Today, all our thoughts are with the family of Nicolas to whom all the members of the club send their most sincere condolences.
“Stade Francais Paris is in mourning.”
A number of rugby clubs have posted messages of condolence in support of the French club.
C’est avec une immense tristesse que le Stade Français Paris fait part du décès de Nicolas Chauvin. Toutes nos pensées vont à la famille de Nicolas.
Message du Stade Français Paris en accord avec la famille de Nicolas Chauvin : https://t.co/vgW2ppyIQI#SFParis
— Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) December 12, 2018
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nicolas Chauvin, as well as the Stade Français family
Horribly sad news 😔 https://t.co/mbkwlomPyY
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) December 12, 2018
Hearing Such horrific news, thoughts go out to everyone at @SFParisRugby & to Nicolas Chauvin's family & friends. #RIP
— Guy Thompson (@GuyThompson87) December 12, 2018
Thoughts with Nicolas Chauvin’s family, friends and everyone @SFParisRugby at this time. No words #RIP
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) December 12, 2018