In a heartbreaking turn of events, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has reported that Medhi Narjissi, a promising 17-year-old player from the French Under-18 national team, has gone missing after being “swept away by a wave” while swimming in the sea off Cape Town, South Africa.
The incident occurred during a recovery session with other players on Wednesday. Immediately, search teams were dispatched to the scene, with two sea rescue boats and a helicopter involved in the efforts to locate Narjissi. Tragically, the search efforts on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
The search continued on Thursday, with the National Sea Rescue Institute spokesman, Craig Lambinon, stating that strong rip currents could have swept Narjissi into the surf zone and out to sea.
Narjissi, who had recently signed with the Toulouse club, was part of the France squad preparing to participate in a five-nation tournament starting on Monday. The tournament was set to involve teams from England, Ireland, and Georgia.
South African rugby leaders have extended their deepest condolences to the FFR and Narjissi’s family, who were expected to arrive in South Africa later on Thursday. Mark Alexander, the president of the South African Rugby Union, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the rugby community both in South Africa and around the world.
“We cannot begin to comprehend the sorrow the family must be feeling at this moment. Please know that the entire rugby fraternity stands with you in mourning the loss of Medhi. This devastating news has been felt deeply across the rugby community here in South Africa and around the world.”
The French rugby community is in a state of shock and grief, as they mourn the tragic loss of a young talent taken too soon. The search for Narjissi continues, with hopes dwindling, as the rugby world comes together to support his family and teammates during this unimaginably difficult time.
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