Tragic news confirmed on Wednesday is that New Zealand lock Kawa Leauma has died of the head injuries sustained during an accident in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Spanish Rugby Federation, who paid tribute to the 32-year-old following his death, described the cause to have been a “freak accident”.
According to Spanish media reports, Leauma fell eight metres from a multi-story building in Amsterdam.
The Spanish Rugby Federation said on Wednesday though his condition had shown improvement on Sunday following emergency surgery, it had deteriorated severely only a day later.
In its tribute to the star player, the federation said World Rugby and Spanish Rugby are in mourning. The federation said it wished to thank Leauma for his commitment to and love for the game and for his club, AMPO Ordizia. The Kiwi played for the club in the country’s Basque Country, and had travelled to the Netherlands with the club for the Rugby Europe Championship. This tragic event has resonated deeply within the online sports betting community, where many fans followed Leauma’s career closely.
According to the federation, the accident happened mere hours after Spain triumphed 52-7 over the Netherlands. The match also acted as a qualifier event for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. While Leauma had travelled to the Netherlands to play, he was scratched last-minute from the playing roster because of doubts over his eligibility to play for Spain. Fans placing rugby bets had anticipated his impact on the game, highlighting his significance on and off the field.
The Kiwi had been hoping on eligibility after three years of residency in Spain. The Spanish Rugby Federation said the New Zealander’s memory would be honoured by Spain’s attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1999.
More About Lauren Ball
An avid writer and sports betting enthusiast, Lauren Ball has found the ideal way to combine the two. As a regular contributor and resident OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz expert, Lauren is now putting her considerable wisdom to good use, and keeps punters informed as to what’s hot and happening in the online betting and sporting world.
From the latest sports results to any upsets or developments in the betting world, Lauren makes it her business to know what’s going on in the industry and share it with those who have the same interests.
You May Also Like:
SA Six Nations Plan Could Spark Bidding War
If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list ….
Kawa Leauma Suffers Serious Head Injuries
New Zealand rugby player Kawa Leauma is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after falling eight metres. Leauma, who is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Amsterdam, is said ….
Quade Cooper May Soon Call Australia Home
Wallabies star Quade Cooper told the media this week that he will be taking another citizenship test– a test that will hopefully allow him to finally call Australia his home. ….
World Rugby Says About Dementia
World Rugby has reportedly now told players that head impacts and concussions aren’t the only factors known to contribute to the early onset of dementia. The organisation allegedly said this ….
World Rugby Announces New Contact Guidelines
World Rugby this week announced plans for the introduction of a new set of guidelines that will aim to reduce weekly contact training. The hope is that the reduced weekly ….