Kenyan women’s rugby captain dies from match injuries

 
Rugby Fan Roar Guru

By , 1 May 2012 Rugby Fan is a Roar Guru

Tagged:
 ,

    12 Have your say

    Popular article! 3,627 reads

    Related coverage

    Sports Highlights

    Watch more sports news video


    Tragic news from Africa, as Aberdeen Shikoyi, the captain of the Kenyan women’s rugby team, has died after sustaining a spinal injury last week.

    She was leading her team against Uganda in the first leg of the Elgon Cup when an opponent’s knee hit her spine during a tackle, and she was further injured in the scramble for the ball afterwards.

    She was airlifted from the pitch and taken to hospital in Nairobi for surgery. She passed away on Saturday night, a few hours after her team defeated Uganda in the second leg to claim the Cup.

    Aberdeen Shikoyi was captain of her club, Mwamba Invaders, and had represented her country for twelve years in dozens of matches. The Kenyan Rugby Union issued the following statement.

    “The KRU confirms the death of Aberdeen Shikoyi. We and the entire rugby fraternity are thankful for her service, dedication and leadership offered to the game of rugby and is saddened by her passing on. We also pay tribute to Uganda Rugby Union and the medical teams in Uganda and Kenya who ensured that she received the best medical treatment possible.”

    Looking to join The Roar team? We're searching for an experienced Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. Yes, this does mean you get to work with the site all day long! If you're a digital media sales star, we want to hear from you. Apply now.

    Passionate about your union? Then sign up to The Roar's brand new daily union email, delivering Roaring articles directly to you day-in, day-out. You'll love it!
    Click here to join now!