Rugby

Sad news: Wales rugby international’s father dies in tragic circumstances as club issue statement

Players will wear black armbands at this weekend’s west Wales derby between Scarlets and Ospreys

Following the passing of Shaun, the father of Wales international Sam Wainwright, the Scarlets released a statement.

Following the devastating news, Wainwright, 25, will not participate in this weekend’s west Wales derby against the Ospreys. Before the match in Swansea, there will be a moment of silence and his teammates will be sporting black armbands.

“The thoughts of us all at the Scarlets are with Sam Wainwright, his family, and partner Ellie following the tragic passing of Sam’s father last weekend,” a Scarlets statement said.

“There will be a moment of silence prior to kickoff for the Scarlets’ game against the Ospreys on Sunday, and players and staff will be sporting black armbands.”

Prop Wainwright, who is from the village of Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl, earned his first Wales call-up ahead of last year’s tour of South Africa, playing a crucial role off the bench in the famous victory against the Springboks.

He has previously spoken of his family’s huge impact on his career, saying: “I would never have made it this far

without the help of my fiance Ellie, mother Linda, and father Shaun. Every other week, my parents would make the four-hour trip to South Wales to watch me play.

“It was astounding how much food they had to purchase me to reach the proper weight when I was having trouble gaining weight. We were working class, therefore the cost of the food made it difficult for me to gain the 18 kg I gained in 34 weeks.

“My dad had to drive me three hours down the road to train, and then three hours back,” I recall saying while on a family vacation in Southport.

In September, Sam Wainwright and his partner Ellie welcomed their daughter Romi, marking his first fatherhood.

“With a heavy heart, Rhyl Rugby Club has just learned of the very sad passing of Shaun Wainwright, a devoted and loving family man,” the statement from Rhyl RFC said.

“The entire family is heavily connected in the club; Shaun’s grandson Levi is still heavily involved with our u13s squad, and his son Sam is actively involved in our junior division.

“Our rugby family will stand together, and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to Linda, his wife, and the rest of the family. Shaun, RIP.”

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