Eugene Hanna, a rugby league player with the Glenora Bears, has died after sustaining an injury during a match earlier this month. He was 30.
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Hanna was injured May 2 in the Bears' season-opening game against Te Atatu and died Tuesday after spending about 10 days in the hospital, the club said. The injury was described by team officials as "unsurvivable," though no further details were provided.
"Eugene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad," Glenora Bears chairwoman Janet Hunt said in a statement. "To his family, friends and teammates, we extend our sincere condolences. There are not enough words to express the loss."
Hanna was a member of the Bears' Premier Reserves team and had recently joined the club. He was also active in soccer, playing for a local side in the New Zealand Christian Football League.
Tributes from teammates and others described him as a respected player and a positive presence in the locker room and community.
The New Zealand Rugby League said it is working with local officials and the club following the incident. The organization emphasized its focus on player safety, including head injury and concussion protocols, and urged athletes to seek medical attention and follow return-to-play guidelines after any injury.
Additional details were not immediately available.
