Tragedy for Wakefield

Sunday night's Celtic Crusaders versus Wakefield game in the engage Super League was
postponed due to the death of Wildcats player Leon Walker in a reserve
team fixture.


The announcement came just 35 minutes before the match in Bridgend was due to kick-off. (sky sports news)
---



Details of exactly what has happened are still coming into the main media channels.

Everyone at Utmost, and BARLA offer their deepest condolences to both Leon's family and to Wakefield Wildcats.

York ARL would like to send their deepest sympathy to Leon's family and all at Wakefield Wildcats, heartfelt thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Taken from wakefieldarl.co.uk


Sunday night's Celtic Crusaders versus Wakefield game in the engage Super League was
postponed due to the death of Wildcats player Leon Walker in a reserve team fixture.

The announcement came just 35 minutes before the match in Bridgend was due to kick-off. (sky sports news)

This was the stunning news emerging from Bridgend around 6.30 pm on Sunday evening preceding the Celtic v Wildcats planned Super League game.

Leon collapsed after a tackle in the reserve game against Celtic Crusaders at Maesteg RFC. An air ambulance took the 20 year old player to Morrison Hospital in Swansea but he couldn't be resucitated.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood commented, "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon, as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club."
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."

Wakefield director Diane Maskill, who announced the sad news on Sky Sports last night said, "The deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Leon's parents, family and close friends."

Leon, had played for Leeds amateur club Churwell Chiefs, prior to joining Salford City Reds where he had been the Reds' Junior Acadamy player in 2006.

During his time with Salford he earned representative honours with Yorkshire and England before joining Wakefield in November 2008 on a one year contract.

The following message of sympathy was sent to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by Wakefield Amateur Rugby League secretary Roger Fagge.

"I along with others were stunned to hear the tragic news of your player Leon Walker's, untimely passing.

I realise that at such a sad time as this is words can be of little significance, but the whole rugby league family will be affected by such an unaccountable loss.

On behalf of Wakefield Amateur Rugby League please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy at this sorrowful time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Leon's family and friends and to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats."

RFL have launched an investigation- BBC article clcik here


coach leads tribute

click here for video

On behalf of everyone at NW Counties 13-15's ARL we'd like to express our sincerest condolences to Leon's family & all his former team mates at Churwell Chiefs, Salford City Reds and Wakefield Wildcats at this very sad time. Our thoughts are with you all.

A very nice gesture on the part of the Bold Miners U13's players who dedicated their War of the Roses Challenge win to the memory of Leon Walker.

Click here for Bold Miners dedication pic.

In these days when everyone seems to be critical of the actions of teenagers it is nice to see these young lads doing themselves, their club and their League proud by showing maturity beyond their years and I'm sure that the dedication will be greatly appreciated by Leon's family.