Cardiff Met rugby player dies and university pays tribute

Tributes have been paid to a young Welsh rugby player following his death. James Bennett, who played for Cardiff Metropolitan University where he was a second-year student

The university, where James studied sports coaching, said he was a "keen rugby player and dedicated coach" and described his death as a "tragic loss".

"He made a significant contribution to university sport and his passion and commitment will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he impacted," Cardiff Metropolitan University said.

A post shared on social media by James' family said he "passed away peacefully in his sleep" on October 26. Hundreds rushed to send their condolences to James' family and pay their own tributes, with many describing him as an "amazing young man".

Cardiff City defender Noah Williams was among those who left comments, leaving a red heart emoji.

The family said it is establishing the James Bennett Foundation in his memory. They said foundation will work with Cardiff Metropolitan University to support "young sports coaches as they transition from academia into further coaching endeavours."

In a statement Dr Huw Wiltshire, acting dean, Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: "The Cardiff Met community is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of James’s death. James was a second-year student on our Sport Coaching course and was also a keen rugby player and dedicated coach.

“He made a significant contribution to university sport and his passion and commitment will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he impacted. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with James’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.

“In time, the foundation, in conjunction with Cardiff Met, will work towards supporting young sports coaches as they transition from academia to further coaching opportunities.”

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