A young rugby player is being remembered as the “heartbeat” of his team after suffering a devastating injury during a season-opening match that tragically turned fatal days later.
Eugene Hanna, a 30-year-old athlete from Auckland, New Zealand, died on May 12 after what his club described as an “unsurvivable” injury suffered during a game just 10 days earlier.
The shocking accident happened on May 2 while Hanna was playing for the Glenora Bears’ Premier Reserves squad in a matchup against the Te Atatu Roosters. What began as an exciting start to the season quickly spiraled into tragedy.
In an emotional statement posted online, Glenora Bears chairwoman Janet Hunt confirmed the heartbreaking news and revealed the injury was so severe that Hanna could not recover.
“Eugene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad,” Hunt wrote. “Although a new Bears member, he had good friends within the club.”
She also thanked the opposing team’s players, emergency responders, and hospital staff who rushed to help Hanna after the incident unfolded on the field.
“There are not enough words to express the unimaginable loss and grief you are feeling at this time,” Hunt added. “Forever in our hearts.”
The tragedy sent shockwaves through New Zealand’s rugby community, with the New Zealand Rugby League calling Hanna’s death “heartbreaking” and “something we never want to see happen.”
But rugby wasn’t the only sport where Hanna left his mark.
He was also a beloved soccer player for Renegades FC, where teammates described him as larger than life both on and off the field.
“Eugene is the heartbeat of Renegades,” the club wrote in a touching tribute. “He was the biggest character, a brilliant player, but most importantly the kindest person.”
Other clubs Hanna played for over the years also shared emotional messages remembering the athlete’s infectious personality and competitive spirit.
Lynn-Avon United AFC called him a “genuine all round good bloke” who was respected throughout the club, while Australian rules football team Waitakere Magpies remembered his fearless style of play and ability to light up the locker room with laughter.
The Magpies also reflected on one unforgettable moment from Hanna’s sports career — a dramatic game-winning goal in a championship match back in 2016 that teammates say they will never forget.
His sudden death has left friends, teammates, and fans stunned, with tributes pouring in across social media as many struggle to process how a routine game turned into a nightmare.
Hanna’s passing is now being mourned across multiple sports communities, where he was known not just as a talented athlete, but as the kind of teammate everyone wanted around.
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