Spanish international Kawa Leauma has died following an accident in which he fell from a building in the Netherlands.
The 32-year-old lock reportedly fell “six to eight metres”, suffering severe head injuries.
The New Zealand-born forward underwent two emergency operations, but died in hospital in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Leauma had travelled to the Netherlands for Spain’s Six Nations B match, but did not play in the game.
“We regret to announce the death of Kawa Leauma,” said Spain’s Rugby Federation.
The Federation declined to give more information “at the express wish of his wife”, after her husband’s “freak accident”.
Leauma played for Samoa Under-20s, several Auckland clubs and Sydney Rays before moving to Spain, where he joined first division club Ordizia.
He made one unofficial appearance for Spain but was left out of the 52-7 victory in Amsterdam, which also served as a World Cup qualifier, because of questions over his eligibility.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Spain international Kawa Leauma,” tweeted former England captain and World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.
“My thoughts are with his team-mates and family at this difficult time.”
