Investigation under way into death of NWU student from rugby injury

TimesLIVE

07-05-2025

North-West University (NWU) says an investigation has been launched into the death of 20-year-old student and rugby player Vilano Saunders.
'The Falcons Rugby Union, which governs the local rugby league, has initiated its own investigation to examine the specifics of the incident and assess whether any safety protocols or guidelines were breached during the game,' said spokesperson Louis Jacobs.
This comes after Saunders died on Monday, after sustaining a serious neck injury during a rugby match on Saturday afternoon.
Saunders was injured early in the match and immediately rushed to Midvaal Hospital, where doctors confirmed the seriousness of his condition. He was later transferred to Sebokeng Hospital for further treatment. Despite being placed in traction, he died on Monday while awaiting spinal surgery.
At the time of his death, Saunders had no feeling or movement below his neck and was classified as a quadriplegic. Doctors had not yet determined whether he would regain any sensation or mobility.
Before his death Saunders' girlfriend Caitlin Venter started a Back-a-Buddy campaign to cover his medical expenses and rehabilitation. The campaign, which aimed to raise R2m, garnered significant support from 79 unique donors, raising more than R65,000 to assist with his care.