Rugby mourns the loss of France U18 star who was ‘swept away by a wave’ in South Africa as further details emerge

SA Rugby and Agen have extended their condolences to the family of France U18s player Medhi Narjissi, who was swept out to sea in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The French Rugby Federation (FRR) confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that 17-year-old Narjissi had been swept out to sea during a team bonding session near Cape Point.

Emergency services were swiftly deployed to search for the son of the legendary Agen hooker Djalil Narjissi, who represented the club for 12 years.

Medhi Narjissi missing

Narjissi’s club Toulouse have since confirmed that his parents are en route to South Africa while the FFR also said that the players and staff were being provided with mental and psychological assistance in Cape Town.

While the search for the France U18 player continued into Thursday, SA Rugby and Agen have both issued statements.

“SUA LG has learned of the death of Medhi Narjissi, child of the club, captain and 2022 French Gaudermen Champion with Agen,” a post on Agen’s official X account read.

“Missing in South Africa with the French U18 team, the entire club supports his father Jalil, the club’s iconic hooker, as well as his entire family and loved ones in this ordeal. We are thinking about you.”

Meanwhile, SA Rugby sent condolences and offered support to French rugby and the family of Narjissi following the incident.

SA Rugby added that no decision had been made on how the events will impact the U18s International Series, which Narjissi was set to feature for France.

“SA Rugby has sent condolences and offered support to French rugby and the family of 17-year-old player Medhi Narjissi, who was swept out to sea during a water recovery session at Cape Point on Wednesday,” an SA Rugby statement read.

“The young player was a member of the French Under-18 team which is in South Africa to contest a tournament with the hosts, England, Ireland and Georgia. Narjissi was on an outing with the squad when the incident occurred.”

Rescue services ‘mobilised’ as France rugby player is ‘swept away by a wave’ in South Africa

‘We cannot begin to comprehend the sorrow’

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the French rugby community for the tragic loss of Medhi.

“We cannot begin to comprehend the sorrow the family must be feeling at this moment. Please know that the entire rugby fraternity stands with you in mourning the loss of Medhi. This devastating news has been felt deeply across the rugby community here in South Africa and around the world.”

Mehdi was swept away by a wave as he and his teammates were swimming at the Cape of Good Hope at around 16h00 on Wednesday.

Emergency services were mobilised to conduct a search and rescue operation without success throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening.

FFR launch an investigation

The FFR have since released a statement confirming France’s withdrawal from the competition and have launched an investigation into what unfolded.

“We are still without news of the young player Medhi Narjissi, missing since yesterday,” the statement read.

“In this dramatic and terribly trying context, the FFR provides all its support to his family and loved ones, to his teammates and supervisors present on site, as well as to his club at Stade Toulousain.

“A police investigation was opened to determine the exact circumstances of the disappearance. The FFR also opened an internal investigation.

“According to the first elements of information collected, the team participated in a recovery session in a cold bath, by the sea, at Diaz Beach, in the presence of members of the staff, in a place where the players had their feet in the water.

“As the group emerged from the water, Medhi was swept away by a wave and then by strong currents, out to sea.

“As soon as the disappearance was alerted, the local authorities mobilised significant resources to find the young player. Research by the National Sea Rescue Institute resumed this morning.

“In the meantime, in conjunction with the consulate and Stade Toulousain, the FFR organized the visit to South Africa of Medhi’s family. This will be accompanied by a member of the national technical management who will also be responsible for our internal investigation.

“A psychological unit has been activated to listen to young players and their supervisors.

“Finally, the FFR cancels the team’s participation in the International Series and organizes its repatriation tomorrow to France, where the care of the players and staff will continue.”

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