Warringah Rats ‘ring of love’ for late teammate Lachlan Ward

CLUB mates gathered on the back field at Rat Park to form a ring of love for Warringah Rats rugby player Lachlan Ward who passed away on Saturday.

Grief is writ large across the faces of Lachlan Ward’s family. Picture: Troy Snook

• CHEIKA’S SUPPORT FOR LACHLAN’S FAMILY

IT was the ring of love for Warringah Rats rugby player Lachlan Ward who passed away on Saturday.

Club mates and friends gathered on Monday on the back field at Rat Park — where he collapsed while playing a fifth grade game against Gordon- to remember their larrikin mate and support his parents Murray and Jill and siblings Sam, Beth and Anna.

Heartfelt words were followed with a moment’s silence by all those present who had linked arms in a gesture of solidarity as a wave of high emotion swept through the group.

The Ward family at the tribute to Lachlan yesterday at Rat Park. Picture: Troy Snook

The Warringah Rats community walks to the field for the tribute.

Family members walk through the guard of honour. Picture: Troy Snook

In an amazing scene as the circle was breaking up young players in their gear who were taking part in the under 15 state titles at the ground spontaneously formed a guard of honour for the Ward family.

Everyone joined in and applauded as the Wards walked through in a moment that provided a lift for everyone after tough couple of days as they come to grips with Lachlan’s the 24-year-old’s passing.

“It was absolutely humbling and something that was truly special,” Murray Ward told the Manly Daily.

Lachlan Ward was 25 when he died. Picture: Facebook

Lachlan Ward jumping in the air in his rugby uniform.

“Our family now just feel these wonderful big arms around us.

“Standing out in that circle today I just felt overwhelmed that eve`ryone was here for Lachlan and for us.

“He shone very brightly for a very short time.”

Lachlan’s brother Sam is comforted.

Lachlan with Sam as young players.

Warringah first grade skipper Hamish Angus told the friends and family that they had lost a devoted son, a fiercely loyal and protective brother and a good-natured, dependable, trustworthy, bear hugging friend.

“The support from not just the rugby community, the whole community has been absolutely overwhelming,” Angus said.

Emotion overcomes Lachlan’s mother. Picture: Troy Snook

Lachlan Ward's father (right) Murray is consoled. Picture: Troy Snook

“It’s an incredibly tough time now and that pain is not going to leave the Wards for a while. And it’s important that we stick together and continue that support for the Wards as they navigate through life without Lachie.

“He has left a massive hole not only in the family but in all his circles.

“It just shows you fickle life is and you’ve just got to make the most of it and he certainly did.

“We just have to celebrate a life lived to the edge.”

And Angus believes that yesterday’s event will be beneficial for everyone.

“It’s a massive ask for all the Wards to come down here but what just happened was something that had to be seen to be believed,” he said.