Australian rugby unites in grief after head clash leads to tragic death

A nation comes together to pay tribute to another sportsman lost too young.

Tragic news emerged from New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, that 25-year-old rugby player Nick Tooth passed away following an on-field head clash. Tooth suffered the blow while attempting a tackle for Quirindi Lions, against Narrabri Blue Boars on Saturday. His head struck off his opponent's and it was immediately clear that the injury was serious. He was airlifted ro hospital and underwent emergency surgery but, unfortunately, he could not be saved. Quirindi club president Charles Murray told ABC, 'There was no foul play, nothing untoward about it at all. Sadly it was just a very tragic accident... He was a lovely kid.' The tragedy comes less than five months after Australian cricketer Phil Hughes died in hospital, two days after a bouncer struck him. The Australian rugby community has been quick to show its support to Tooth's family, friends and club.

Very sad about the death of Nick Tooth from Quirindi Lions Rugby club. Thoughts and prayers for his family. #rugbyfamily #RIP — Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) April 20, 2015

From everyone at the NSW Waratahs, would like to offer our condolences to Nick Tooth's family, friends and teammates after his tragic death. — NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) April 20, 2015

Charles Murray, president of Quirindi Rugby Club, spoke to Kelly Fuller about the tragic passing of Nick Tooth... http://t.co/Y8WEFFGcYQ — Quirindi Rugby Club (@QRUFC) April 20, 2015

On behalf of the Rugby community, our thoughts & prayers are with the Tooth family, who tragically lost their son Nicholas over the weekend. — Qantas Wallabies (@QantasWallabies) April 20, 2015