Everyone at Wales Rugby League is shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of current Wales Students squad member Gabriel Holt, aged just 21.

Gabriel currently played rugby league for Wigan St Patricks and the University of Central Lancashire and qualified for Wales via the heritage rule. He won three caps for Wales Students last year and was named in this year’s squad for the forthcoming Four Nations tournament.

Born and raised in Atherton in Lancashire, he started playing rugby league for his local side Atherton Roosters. He had spells at Leigh East and Folly Lane as a junior before joining Wigan St Patricks in their U13s. He also played for Atherton High School, where he attended, before going to St John Rigby College.

In a personal tribute, Craig Fisher, his head coach at Wales Students said: “Lost for words is somewhat of an understatement. No words will ever be able to articulate what an exceptional human being you were. You were a leader, a team-mate, a champion but most of all a friend to everyone you met.

“I feel privileged to have known you and to have coached you. I know how proud you were to wear the red of Wales and were itching to tear into the 2024 Four Nations. As heart-wrenching as it will be that you won’t be with us in person to go to war with us, we will take comfort in knowing that our Angel Gabriel will be with us every step of the way.

“God Speed young man. Forever your coach.”

An online fund-raising appeal has been set up to help pay for his funeral, with a target of £3,000. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/gabriel-holt.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of Gabriel’s team-mates in the sides he played in, his friends and his family at this sad time.

Gabriel Holt – 27/06/2002-07/04/2024