Sale mourn tragic loss of former wing Kuadey, 24

Sale Sharks have announced the death at the age of 24 of their former wing Selorm Kuadey, who was forced to retire from the game after a succession of injuries.

It was reported that Kuadey had taken his own life.

Kuadey, who represented England at under-19, under-20 and Sevens level, spent five years with Sale before retiring on medical advice due to an ankle injury in 2010. He went on to achieve a first-class honours degree in human biology and infectious diseases, and had started a career outside rugby.

Sale said in a statement yesterday morning that the club was “shocked and deeply saddened” to learn that Kuadey died last week.

His death comes in the same week that former Hull City, Bradford and Aberdeen footballer Dean Windass revealed that he had attempted suicide and was seeking help for his battle with depression having struggled to cope with the end of his football career.

The sporting world is also still coming to terms with the death of Wales football manager Gary Speed, who took his own life at the age of 42 last November.

Although he played for England at youth level, Ukraine-born Kuadey was never a first-team regular for Sale and injuries ended his chances of making progress in a rugby career.

Sale chief executive Mick Hogan said: “Everyone at Sale Sharks passes their deepest sympathies to Selorm’s family and friends at this very difficult and upsetting time.

“Selorm was a very popular young man and a wonderfully talented rugby player.

“We are devastated to learn about his tragic death and the club is offering our full support to his family, friends and former team mates during this deeply traumatic period.”

Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Rugby Players’ Association, paid tribute to Kuadey, saying: “We are all shocked to the core by this tragic news about Selorm.

“He was an outstanding professional and brilliant young man who was so popular and respected by his team-mates and peers across the game. On behalf of all the RPA members, we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this terrible time.”

Stephen Brown, the acting chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, expressed sorrow at the loss of the former England age-group player.

Brown said: “Selorm was a popular young man who won the respect of his peers and impressed everyone he came into contact with while representing England.

“He will be greatly missed by the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Former England World Cup-winning winger Jason Robinson tweeted: “So sad to hear about the death of a former Sale Sharks winger and team mate.”