Statement: WRFU expresses condolences for Daniel Baldwin

Wellington Rugby would like to express its deep sadness at the passing of Wellington Football Club Colts player Daniel Baldwin.

Daniel, 19, passed away on Wednesday night at Wellington Hospital surrounded by his family and friends after falling into a coma shortly after playing in a rugby match at Ngati Toa Domain on Saturday, May 13.

The collective thoughts of everyone in the Wellington rugby community are with the Baldwin family and the Wellington Football Club at what is an extremely difficult time for everyone involved in our game.

The New Zealand Rugby Foundation, New Zealand Rugby and the WRFU have offered our full support to the Baldwin family and offered counselling to other parties affected by this tragic accident.

An inquiry into the events that led up to Daniel’s illness has already begun.