1
32-year-old dual code player collapses and dies during match
Tributes are being paid after a 32-year-old dual code rugby league and union player collapsed and died during a match in Yorkshire yesterday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Birkenshaw Bluedogs’ Max Blakeley was playing summer rugby league in a Yorkshire Men’s League Division Five match at Heworth Rugby League Club’s ground at Elmpark Way when the tragedy occurred.
Blakeley – who plays union during the Winter for Cleckheaton RUFC – left the field feeling unwell. He subsequently collapsed at halftime.
He was attended to by first-aiders with a defibrillator, who desperately attempted to resuscitate the prop.
An ambulance arrived from a local hospital but tragically Mr Blakeley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Birkenshaw Bulldogs released a statement: “Birkenshaw Rugby League Club are sorry to inform of the passing of 32-year-old Max Blakeley.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Max came off the pitch and later became poorly. Paramedics were called but were unable to revive him. His family have requested privacy at this difficult time. The club will issue a further statement when appropriate.”
Tributes have been paid across both sports.
Cleckheaton RUFC described him as a ‘club stalwart’.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we have to report the passing today of Cleckheaton player Max Blakely.
“Max was a club stalwart and we are devastated. Sleep tight Max you will be sorely missed”
Super League giants Bradford Bulls also paid tribute on Twitter: “Everyone at the Bradford Bulls is very sad to hear of the passing of Maxwell Clinton Blakeley who passed away during Birkenshaw’s game earlier today.
“Prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone in Rugby League community at this extremely traumatic time. R.I.P.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Everyone at the Bradford Bulls is very sad to hear of the passing of Maxwell Clinton Blakeley who passed away during Birkenshaw’s game earlier today.
Prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone in Rugby League community at this extremely traumatic time. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Acfft6fbQF
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) July 14, 2018
A poster on the Cleckheaton’s website said: “Devastating news to hear about Max he enjoyed his life whether up or down and nothing bothered him as long as he was with his mates playing the game he loved followed by a few beers.
Max you will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of your company the whole of CRUFC and more recently the juniors who you helped to coach.”
Many paid tribute across Twitter.
@LondonBroncosRL send our condolences and our support to all those at Birkenshaw Bluedogs RL following the tragic death of Maxwell Blakeley yesterday. Rugby League is a family sport and we have all lost a member of that family RIP Maxwell.
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) July 15, 2018
Terribly sad news. My deep condolences to Max Blakeley's family and friends and to everyone at the Birkenshaw club. RIP https://t.co/FTIyYGRrC2
— Martyn Sadler (@MartynSadler) July 15, 2018
Comments on RugbyPass
The Crusaders can't buy a win this season. Surely Penney's contract won't be renewed. There's still enough talent in the squad that they oughta be winning more.
1 Go to commentsABs captain for 23 seasons. Decent record. Surely nobody will surpass it. Legend. But alas a typo…
1 Go to commentsJust FYI Rugbypass, I for one am tired of your clickbait titles and thumbnails and will be clicking them no longer. Good day.
1 Go to commentsI think Farrell despite all of the stick he gets in the media is still one of if not the best fly half in the world. He is literally the full package. He can kick one of the best in the world, probably has the best defensive game of a fly half in the world and if he wants to he can run, take contact and find an offload to keep the pace of the attack. I dont know why he isnt spoken more about still being one of the best in the world with the likes of dupont. Farrell is the ultimate captain and team leader and is experienced- he has been in nearly any situation you can think of. I still believe due to these reasons that he is England’s best ever player and is still one of the best players in the world.
48 Go to commentsBlues are dominating up front and that’s been a long time coming. They have won the up front confrontation which is where canes, hilanders and act brumbies are also strong.
4 Go to commentsJust watched brumbies v safas game sadly not a show in he’ll thryr anywhere near quarters or semi contention. Admittedly some issues around new comers bot what stands out for me is coaching management, poor game planning and accuracy.
5 Go to commentsOne tough SOB!
16 Go to commentsI’ve put on 4/5 kilos since the beginning of the season too. Not good kilos. Bad kilos.
4 Go to commentsSurely there’s a ‘no knobheads’ policy ?
2 Go to commentsWallaroos have no chance of beating the Black Ferns unless Canada upsets them in Christchurch tomorrow but I doubt that as well!
1 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Could the victim do a course to reverse the long term CTE damage from the cheapshot?
2 Go to commentsTruely great player. In social media and opinion pieces he was held up and flogged for the results. People wanted someone to crucify, and he was the captain. He was still an immense presence respected by his peers. His battles with Siya Kolisi belong up with with Collins vs Burger in my opinion. Unlucky to be carded in the final, but I don’t agree that his red card was the defining moment. Not when you look at the dominant performances of the Springboks (PSDT in particular.) I think Cane should be remembered for the spirit and physicality that is special to test rugby.
16 Go to commentsSam was the man until he got injured .
16 Go to comments_Crusaders versus Leinster _at the moment might be a rout! But I would like to see the Blues play Toulouse, the Hurricanes front up against Stade Francais, and the Chiefs go against Toulon.
157 Go to commentsLove it when we overlap! Promise it was not forethought.
19 Go to commentsjfc can this guy plz stay out of the news for one week
2 Go to commentsIf stormers aren’t available. Based on form and likely availability at the time of the wales Test, you’d think Masuku would be a no-brainer to start. But starting Jordan also makes sense having Masuku come off the bench to close out the game.
2 Go to commentsGlad Tom Curry not playing needs time to recover such a great player also his brother Ben how well is he playing now .
1 Go to commentsLet’s examine what might be irking the brainless E: Up until 20 years before this coming Julys tests: 16 games: 14 wins for SA; 1 win for Ire; 1 draw From 20 years until July’ tests Ireland V SA: 13 matches Ireland won 8; SA won 4; 1 draw Points scored Ireland 261; SA 189 Ave Winning Margin: Ireland 11 points; SA 4 points (away 3, home 6) Away win record: Ireland 33.33%; SA 25% Neutral matches 1: Ireland win RWC France 2023. Last SA win June 2016 (8 years ago) They boast 3 World cups in that period (they do boast). The above record is not good, probably not much better than theirs against NZ for same period. That’s why the dopey E is starting fights in his head. He will probably ship a yellow when things don’t go their way in the first test.
127 Go to commentsGoode is like a wet fart on The Rugby Pod and should be shoved aside. Jim knows what he is on about and can get on better without Goode’s nasty little cheap shots.
127 Go to comments