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 out to sea during rescue efforts at Cape Point on Wednesday.

The young player was part of the France U-18 National Team that will participate in the tournament in South Africa along with hosts England, Ireland and Georgia.

Narjissi was on a trip with the team when the incident occurred. The National Maritime and Rescue Institute (NSRI) continues to search for the boy.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said Narjissi was swimming on the beach when strong undertow swept him into the surf zone.

‘Devastating news

“We extend our deepest condolences to Medhi’s family and the French rugby community on his tragic loss,” South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander said on Thursday.

“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 felt deeply across the rugby community in South Africa and around the world.”

The search continues

Alexander said South African Rugby was offering all possible support to the French team and Mehdi’s family as they headed to South Africa.

The French Rugby Federation announced on Wednesday that Mehdi was swept away by a wave while swimming with his teammates in the Cape of Good Hope at around 16:00 on Wednesday.

Emergency response teams conducted search and rescue efforts on Wednesday afternoon and evening, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

It is not yet known whether the rugby tournament scheduled to start on Monday at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town will be affected.