Rugby Player, 30, Dies Days After Suffering 'Unsurvivable' Injury in Season-Opening Game

Stock photo of a rugby player with a ball
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The New Zealand Rugby League also sent its condolences to Hanna's loved ones in a statement, calling his death "heartbreaking" and "something we never want to see happen."

Hanna also played soccer, and his team Renegades FC posted a tribute on Instagram. "Eugene is the heartbeat of Renegades," the post read. "He was the biggest character, a brilliant player, but most importantly the kindest person."

Other sports teams Hanna previously represented also posted messages.

Alongside a photo of the 30-year-old smiling, soccer team Lynn-Avon United AFC wrote on Facebook, "He was known by many club members and will be remembered as a genuine all round good bloke. The Committee and club extend our sincere condolences to Eugene's family and friends."

Australian rules football team Waitakere Magpies also wrote on Facebook that Hanna was "a player that had respect across the league for his hard running play style, but was a great character off the field that brought a lot of laughs and entertainment throughout the squad and league."

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They added that his death would leave a "big hole in our hearts," but that his legacy would live on with the memory of a game-winning goal in a final match in 2016.

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