- Haverfordwest RFC player Luc Evans passed away on Friday after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma in August 2024
- Wales international Gareth Davies dedicated his try-scoring performance to Luc during Saturday's match against Newcastle
- The youngster's family, school and rugby club raised close to £50,000 for cancer charities throughout his illness
Luc Evans, a 16-year-old rugby player from Haverfordwest, has died after battling a brain tumour for two years, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his family, teammates, coaches and professional rugby players.
Luc, who played in the back row for Haverfordwest RFC, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August 2024 after suffering several seizures. Doctors initially gave him between nine and 12 months to live.
He subsequently received treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he also took part in a clinical trial involving an experimental drug.
Despite his diagnosis, Luc continued playing sport and working on his family's farm near Haverfordwest until shortly before his death on Friday.
His father, Eifion, mother, Karen, and siblings Nia, 22, Huw, 20, and Jac, 14, have reflected on the remarkable strength and composure he displayed throughout his illness.
Eifion described his son as a quiet and kind-hearted boy who rarely showed his emotions, explaining that Luc accepted his diagnosis with courage and determination. He said his son refused to let the illness define him and continued getting on with his life despite the challenges he faced.
The family also expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from the rugby community throughout Luc's illness.
Gareth Davies pays tribute to Luc on the pitch
Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies paid tribute to Luc during Saturday's match against Newcastle by wearing boots bearing the teenager's name.
After scoring a try, Davies dedicated the moment to Luc and sent a personal message to his father, Eifion, explaining that the young rugby player's memory came to mind immediately after he crossed the try line.
Luc had been part of Haverfordwest RFC since the under-12s age group and was named the club's players' player of the year at the end of the 2024 season, just months before his diagnosis.
His coach, Trigger Brazell, remembered him as a natural leader who earned the nickname “the silent assassin” because of his quiet nature and ability to lead by example.
Brazell said Luc was polite, respectful and a wonderful young man from a close-knit family. He explained that although the teenager rarely spoke unnecessarily, his leadership qualities earned the respect of his teammates, who listened whenever he had something to say.
The coach also praised Luc's courage throughout his illness, describing him as a true inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Rugby community rallies around Luc and his family
Haverfordwest RFC honoured Luc's memory by observing a minute's silence before all the club's fixtures this weekend.
Luc was a pupil at Ysgol Caer Elen and had received his players' player of the year award from former Wales international Ian Gough. He was also visited by Welsh rugby legend Sam Warburton at Velindre Cancer Centre during the early stages of his treatment.
His battle against cancer brought together his school, rugby club, family and friends, who collectively raised close to £50,000 for cancer-related charities.
Luc's determination to continue living life as fully as possible, despite his diagnosis, has left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Tributes from across the rugby community have highlighted his courage, leadership and the remarkable spirit he displayed throughout his two-year battle with the disease.
Source: Briefly News