Rugby player, 41, dies after ‘head trauma’ during match as club issue heartbreaking statement

Esteben César Racca was playing for Old King Club against Jabalíes Rugby Club in their Paraguayan Rugby Union’s Metropolitan Pre-Intermediate Tournament encounter when the devastating incident unfolded

A tragic incident has unfolded in Paraguay, where an Argentine rugby player collapsed and died during a match after reportedly sustaining a head injury. Esteban César Racca was representing Old King Club against Jabalíes Rugby Club in the Paraguayan Rugby Union’s Metropolitan Pre-Intermediate Tournament when the devastating event occurred.

Racca, who was only 41, is thought to have collapsed during a scrum, stumbling and falling to the ground as medical staff and team-mates rushed to his aid. Despite the frantic efforts of those present, he tragically lost his life, leaving his club and the entire Paraguayan rugby community in mourning, according to the Irish Daily Mirror.

In a heartfelt statement, the Old King Club said: “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to our teammate Esteban Racca. Today, rugby reminds us of the fragility of life.

“Your dedication, your passion, and your friendship will remain forever in our memories and in the history of this club. We stand with his family, friends, and the entire rugby community in this sad moment. Rest in peace, brother.”

The Paraguayan Rugby Union also expressed their condolences in a statement, which read: “Our deepest sorrow at the passing of player Esteban Racca. At this difficult time, we express our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, teammates, and the entire rugby community. We have been working closely with the relevant authorities since the incident.”

A post-mortem examination has revealed that Racca died from head trauma. Forensic examiner Pablo Lemir confirmed that the player is believed to have suffered a blow to the head between five and ten minutes before he collapsed on the pitch.

Prosecutor Jorge Escobar told Monumental AM 1080: “He collapsed during a scrum. [He] came out of that formation, took two steps, and fell.

“Coroner Lourdes Saucedo thought it was appropriate to take the body to the morgue for an autopsy, and the result was very consistent with what she had been assuming. We now have the result that he died of closed head trauma.

“But it didn’t happen immediately; what they suspect is that it could have happened between five and 10 minutes before he fell.”

Escobar went on to explain: “It was an official match, and the match was 29 minutes into the game. The field is leased by the Paraguayan Rugby Union to the Olympic Committee. Therefore, the entire organisation falls under the responsibility of the Paraguayan Rugby Union.”

The public prosecutor added that based on images and recordings from the match, “no rough or forceful physical contact is seen” at that moment that Racca collapsed.

“We already have approximately 30 minutes of video footage,” he said. “We’re going to be looking into any collision the player may have had with his opposing teammate. So, we’re working on that.”

Both clubs have now been asked to submit full recordings of the match to determine if any unsporting behaviour occurred that could be linked to Racca’s death.