Warringah Rats rugby players farewell teammate Lachlan Ward who died during a game

WARRINGAH Rats rugby players farewelled their late teammate Lachlan Ward — who died during a game — with a haka at the end of an emotional funeral.

Warringah rugby players perform a haka for Lachlan Ward who passed away after collapsing during a game. Picture: Phil Rogers

• WARRINGAH RATS CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF LACHLAN
• FOOTY MATES’ ‘RING OF LOVE’ FOR LOST LACHLAN

WARRINGAH  Rats players farewelled their late teammate Lachlan Ward with a haka at the end of his memorial service on Thursday afternoon at C3 Church, Oxford Falls.

The moving tribute was performed by “the brotherhood”, the club’s Polynesian players, of which Ward had become a recent member.

Lachlan’s Ward’s casket carried by family and friends, including his brother Sam (front right). Picture: Phil Rogers

There were tears and laughter to celebrate the life of the 24-year-old, who died after collapsing during a fifth-grade game against Gordon on June 10.

Sam Ward and his brother Lachlan (right).

“Lachie, I am so scared for life without you”, his brother Sam said during the service, attended by an estimated 3000 mourners.

Mum Jill and dad Murray were flanked by family.

Lachlan’s father, Murray (left) with other family and friends at the funeral. Picture: Phil Rogers

Sam Ward continued: “As Dad said to me, our life hasn’t turned upside down, it has just taken a new direction. I don’t know exactly how it is all going to work from now on but I’m sure you will help to guide me, one way or another.”

Memorial service for Warringah rugby player Lachlan Ward who passed away after collapsing during a game. Picture: Phil Rogers

Sam said his proudest recent memory of Lachlan was his time at the Rats, to see how excited he was to wear his jersey as he ran through the tunnel for his first game with his arm held high in the air. “I was the proudest big brother ever, having him around the club,” he said.

Warringah Rats players embrace club president Phil Parsons. Picture: Phil Rogers

Rats coach Darren Coleman said Lachlan would often be in the gym joking to other players that lifting weights would not help them catch the ball any better.

Lachlan Ward taking the field for his first game with the Rats this season.

A bagpipe player at the funeral. Picture: Phil Rogers

The congregation included members of other clubs, Sea Eagles Frank Winterstein and Akuila Uate and ARU chairman Cameron Clyne.