John Farragher: Rugby Legend Passes Away at 68 After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

• The rugby community has lost another great player as Penrith legend John Farragher dies at the age of 68
• Farragher became quadriplegic in his early days as a rugby player, but it didn't stop him from contributing to the sport
• The reports about the former Penrith prop's passing sparked a lot of tribute messages from rugby fans on social media

The rugby community has been thrown into deep mourning once again as legendary player John Farragher passed away at the age of 68.

The former Penrith Prop reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest a few days ago, and despite medical efforts, he was unable to recover. His passing has left a deep sense of sadness among those who knew him, as he was widely respected for his contributions both on and off the rugby field.

Just seven games into his first-grade career, Farragher’s life changed forever when a scrum collapsed on him during a match against Newtown at Henson Park, which left him with severe spinal injuries. He was left paralysed and spent the remainder of his life in a wheelchair.

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He served as a Panthers director from March 2022 and had worked at the club’s front desk for over 40 years, becoming a familiar and beloved figure to players, staff, and fans alike.

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

John Farragher dies after cardiac arrest

In a statement, the Panthers said that after an extended period of rehabilitation, Farragher’s resilience and determination enabled him to return to the club in 1982, where he took on a public relations role at Panthers Leagues Club.

For more than four decades, Farragher became one of the most familiar and beloved figures at the club, warmly welcoming members and guests while embodying the true spirit of the Panthers community.

The club added that Farragher’s contribution extended far beyond his playing career, earning him deep respect and affection from everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Panthers concluded by sending their thoughts to Farragher’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Rugby fans send condolence messages to Farragher's family and friends on social media.

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Jacob Oats said:

"Your door was always open and you treated me like a son and I looked up to you like a father. I thank you for that. Your at peace now, til we meet again. Love you John Farragher 💙."

Peter Waugh wrote:

"I wasn't a real regular at the club but I sure felt like one. Every time I walked in I got a "Hi Pete" from John. I remember a funny story, I came in to the club with my elderly Mother in Law and was talking to John about having to go shopping to buy her a piece of furniture. John said, right in front of her, just drive around the streets on bin night, you'll find something out on the footpath. Cracked us all up at time. A good man gone too soon."

Sue Maharaj-Greaves shared:

"This is such sad news, John was a lovely man, when my late Mum would see him at the club she would take great delight in having me wheel her wheelchair over to John so she could say hello to him, he was always so lovely to her. My Mum passed away 16 years ago and ever since then whenever I ran into him, as recently as just a few weeks ago, he would always remember and acknowledge my Mum. RIP John and my deepest condolences to his loved ones."

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Stephen John Priestley commented:

"RIP remember seeing him at the club greeting people as they came into the club."

Andrew Nightingale reacted:

"Every time I went to the panthers Leagues John Farragher would always said hello and that goes for everyone who walked in the sign in area always had a big smile welcoming guest and members R.I.P John Farragher.."

Warren Harrison added:

"I remember meeting him when I was about 10yrs old. My family and I went for dinner at the Panthers club, John was at the sign in area.. proudly helping patrons. Such a great loss to the club, members and guests."

Golf legend dies days after birthday

Briefly News previously reported that a golf legend has passed away a few days after celebrating his birthday.

The golf icon was survived by his wife and two children, and also left behind a remarkable legacy.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News