The Valke under-18 team will only take 22 players to Craven Week in Durban next week after the tragic death of lock Jean-Jireh Yamwimbi on Tuesday. The 17-year-old from Rhodesfield Technical High is believed to have passed away from complications from concussion‚ although SA Rugby did not confirm that in a statement. Attempts to speak to the school principal were unsuccessful. Yamwimbi represented the Valke at the Grant Khomo under-16 week in Oudtshoorn last year. “On behalf of SA Rugby I would like to extend sincere condolences to Jean-Jireh’s family and to his team-mates who were preparing to travel to the U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week with him‚” said SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins. “This is a very sad day for South African rugby. We are halfway through the SA Rugby Youth Weeks‚ which is a time in which we celebrate the youth who share a deep passion for the game‚ and a week in which they have the opportunity to showcase their talent against the best players from other provinces. Instead we are mourning the passing of a player who had so much to offer. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean-Jireh’s family‚ friends and his Valke team-mates at this very sad time.” As a sign of respect to Yamwimbi‚ the Valke will not replace the player in their traveling group‚ and will have a squad of only 22 players at the tournament. - TMG Digital..