Kungawo Booi: Young South African Rugby Player Dies During Training Session

• A young South African rugby player has been confirmed dead after getting injured during practice at school
• The school released an official statement concerning the situation, while the police also gave an update on the situation
• The news about the young rugby player's death gathered several condolence messages from social media users

The South African rugby community has once again been thrown into mourning following the tragic passing of young rugby player Kungawo Booi, who was injured during a training session.

According to the report, the 17-year-old Gqeberha schoolboy, Kungawo Booi, died on Thursday, December 5, 2025. It was confirmed that he received medical attention after getting injured, but sadly, he was unable to survive.

Westering High’s Booi collapsed from an on-field injury as his teammates watched in shock, and he tragically died moments after medical responders arrived.

The South African rugby community recently lost flanker Sive Tshaka and former rugby referee Max Baise, who died at the age of 93.

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Booi dies during rugby practice

Police spokeswoman, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, said that Kabega Park police had opened an inquest, explaining that, according to preliminary reports, officers responded to a complaint at Westering High School, where they were informed that Kungawo had been practising rugby when he was injured. Despite receiving medical attention at the scene, he later passed away.

Westering High School released an official statement on their Facebook page to confirm the death of Booi and also send a condolence message to his family and loved ones.

"It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our beloved learners during rugby practice yesterday afternoon," the statement reads.

"Our school community is devastated, and it is difficult to find the right words in moments like this. Kungawo Booi was so much more than just a rugby player. He was a bright, spirited young man who brought energy, warmth, and kindness wherever he went. He was a true part of our Westering family, and his loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew him.

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"Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones as they face this painful time. We ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and to hold them close in your hearts.

"As a school, we are supporting one another in every way we can. Counselling and emotional support are available for any learner or staff member who needs it, and we encourage our Westering family to lean on one another in the days ahead.

"We grieve together as a community, and we will carry Kungawo’s memory with us always. 💙"

South Africans in the comment section of the school's post paid tribute to the young rugby player.

Megan Deborah King wrote:

"My boy...my heart is just ripped open to hear this...you were in my grade 7 class...and I remember you so fondly! My prayers and heart go out to his twin...Kungazo..and to his mom and family at this tragic time. May His hand of peace be over you all💔💔."

Samantha Dullisear Whittaker shared:

"Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and our Westering High School family. May God bring comfort during this very difficult time. RIP young man😢."

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Felicity Francis said:

"Sincerest condolences to the parents on the loss of their son, Kungawo. May God be your source of comfort during this very sad time of bereavement."

Mushrah Jacobs commented:

"RIP beautiful boy💙🕊️ Heartfelt condolences to his family and his Westering high family😭."

Zita Allers Nawn reacted:

"I have no words. What a tragic loss! Light & love for this beautiful youngster's parents, twin brother and his peers at Westering High. So loved by all whose lives he touched. RIP Kungawo 🙏."

Georgia Adams added:

"Rest easy, Kungawo 🤍Sending my condolences to his family 🤍 I remember that he was such a sweet child in primary school. Praying for his family 🤍."

Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest

Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.

The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News