France Under-18 international, Medhi Narjissi has gone missing after being “swept away by a wave” while swimming off the coast of Cape Town, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced.
The incident occurred on Wednesday during a recovery session with other players in South Africa. Search teams were immediately deployed, including two sea rescue boats and a helicopter, but they were unable to locate the 17-year-old, who had recently signed with Toulouse.
The search continued into Thursday, with National Sea Rescue Institute spokesman Craig Lambinon noting that strong rip currents may have pulled Narjissi into the surf zone and further out to sea.
Narjissi is part of the French squad preparing for a five-nation tournament, set to begin on Monday, featuring teams from England, Ireland, Georgia, and South Africa.
South African rugby officials expressed their condolences to the FFR and Narjissi’s family, who were expected to arrive in South Africa later on Thursday.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, shared his sympathies, saying, “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.”
