This post was originally published on this site.
The player passed away after collapsing in the car park following his games
Tributes have poured in after a rugby player tragically died aged just 34 after collapsing shortly after playing two matches in one day.
Lua Soana’i, who played for Australian side Wests Lions, had featured in both fourth and third grade fixtures on Saturday before suffering a medical episode at Jamison Oval in Canberra.
The forward is said to have collapsed in the car park following the games, prompting an immediate response from teammates and opposition players, including those from Queanbeyan Whites, who performed CPR while waiting for emergency services.
Soana’i was taken to hospital but sadly could not be saved, with news of his death sending shockwaves through the local rugby community.
Wests Lions president Richard Wyche described the club as being in shock, paying tribute to a player he said was “a dynamic presence” and “a great guy to have around the club”.
He added that the club would do everything it could to support Soana’i’s family and friends in the difficult days ahead.
Originally from Samoa, Soana’i is survived by his wife Rachel, two young children and two stepchildren.
A fundraising page has been set up to support the family and help return him to his homeland for burial, with thousands already donated.
Clubs across the region have also paid tribute, while Wests Lions plan to donate proceeds from an upcoming event to his family.
The wider rugby community has rallied together, with many highlighting how moments like this underline the importance of looking after one another beyond the game.
“It is with great sadness that Wests Rugby announce the tragic loss of one of our Wests players,” the club said in a tribute on Instagram. “Last weekend, following his Fourth Grade and Third Grade appearances, Lua Soana’i suffered a medical episode and sadly passed away at the age of just 34.”Lua has played for the club since 2024 and he was an integral player in our 2025 Third Grade premiership team. A powerful backrower, Lua’s charges onto the ball were legendary, inspiring his teammates and putting fear into the opposition. His defence was unmatched with shoulders of cement knocking the wind out of unfortunate opponents. Lua’s coaches and teammates will miss him terribly – as a friend, teammate and Wests family member. “More than a player though, Lua was a loving husband and father and the club’s sincere condolences go to them. “A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the many challenges the family will face in the coming weeks and months. Wests Rugby strongly endorses this page and we will be actively pursuing other initiatives to provide support for Lua’s family. “This coming weekend, as we celebrate Old Lions Day, Wests will be raising funds to support Lua’s family. This will be done through the donation of all gate taking on the day, as well as regular collections around the ground. “Wests Rugby wishes to provide special acknowledgment to first responder care given to Lua by our club personnel and medical staff from Queanbeyan Whites while paramedics were en route. In a truly difficult situation their efforts were heroic. “Our thanks go out to the ongoing support from Queanbeyan Whites and other clubs and administrators from the Canberra and Australian Rugby community. The messages of support that Wests Rugby has received has been very much appreciated. “Our Wests family will stay strong together as we work through this difficult time and we will continue to support his family and friends, as well as those around the Club who are in need.”Thank you for your ongoing support of Wests, and especially Lua’s family. If you can support Lua’s family through any of these means, please do so. RIP Lua Soana’i – you are loved and missed.”
