SA Rugby has released a statement following the disappearance of a football player in South Africa on Wednesday. Medhi Narjissi, a member of the France U18 team, wrote: “The South African Rugby Union has expressed its condolences and support to the family and the French rugby community of 17-year-old player Medhi Narjissi, who was swept away during a water rescue operation at Cape Point.

“The young player was a member of the French Under-18 team, which was in South Africa to compete in a tournament against hosts England, Ireland and Georgia. Narjissi was on a trip with the team when the incident occurred.

“The French Rugby Federation announced on Wednesday that Mehdi was swept away by a wave while swimming with his teammates at the Cape of Good Hope at around 16:00. Emergency services were mobilised to conduct a search and rescue operation throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening, which was unsuccessful.

Ox Nche talks about the new scrum law

Ox Nche talks about the new scrum law that will come into effect during the Rugby Championship

Ox Nche talks about the new scrum law

Ox Nche talks about the new scrum law that will come into effect during the Rugby Championship

“The impact on the tournament’s schedule, which starts on Monday at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town, is yet to be determined.”

South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander said: “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and the French rugby community on the tragic loss of Medhi. We cannot begin to understand the sadness the family is feeling at this time.

“Please know that the entire rugby community stands with you in the loss of Medhi. This devastating news has been deeply felt by the rugby community in South Africa and around the world.”