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Rugby player (19) dies in France after being struck down by rare illness during training

By Online Editors
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

USBPA Rugby in France have confirmed the death of 19-year-old prop Nicolas Gigot, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning (18th July) after being struck down by a rare disease during a club training session.

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The club wrote: “All the components of the USBPA Rugby, association and professional section, offer their sincere condolences to the family of Nicolas Gigot, player Espoir des Violets, who died during the night of Friday 17 July to Saturday 18 July.”

The teen had returned to training with the Bourg-en-Bresse club in mid-June and was jogging with his teammates in the forest of Seillon, in Ain. He was struck down by hyperthermia and fulminant hepatitis. Extra-ordinary efforts were made to save his life, including the amputation of both his legs.

After fighting for his life for 32 days, the Belgium prop died at the Croix-Rousse hospital in Lyon. The family of Gigot, originally from Belgium, had traveled to Bourg in order to be at their son’s bedside.

Gigot and his family had received a supportive message from All Blacks legend Dan Carter, Oyonnax Rugby Club and a host of French players, among others.

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Carter wrote: “Hi Nicolas, this is Dan Carter. I know you’re going through a terrible time, but I wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you from New Zealand. Stay strong and all the best. Thank you my brother.”

The club asked for the privacy of his family to be respected.

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mitch 1 hours ago
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Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.

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