SA Rugby Mourns Tragic Loss of U18 French Player in Cape Town
SA Rugby has extended its deepest condolences to the French rugby community and the family of Medhi Narjissi, a 17-year-old French rugby player who tragically lost his life after being swept away by rip currents in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Medhi Narjissi was participating in a water recovery session at Cape Point as part of the French Under-18 rugby team’s preparations for a tournament in South Africa, involving teams from the host nation, England, Ireland, and Georgia. The incident occurred during an outing with the squad.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the French rugby community for the tragic loss of Medhi,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander. “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.”
SA Rugby has assured the French team and Medhi’s family, who are on their way to South Africa, of their full support during this difficult time.
The French Rugby Federation announced that Medhi was swept away by a wave at the Cape of Good Hope around 16:00 on Wednesday while swimming with his teammates. Emergency services immediately launched a search and rescue operation, which continued through Wednesday afternoon and evening but was ultimately unsuccessful.
“Despite an extensive sea, air, and shoreline search, there are still no signs of the missing teenager,” explained NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon. “Our thoughts, care, and compassion are with the family, friends, and rugby team during this difficult time.”
According to a statement from SA Rugby, the impact of this tragedy on the tournament’s schedule, set to begin at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town on Monday, is yet to be determined.
