Soa Otuvaka

Former Newcastle Falcon Soa Otuvaka was forced to retire from the game at the age of 25, due to the discovery of a brain tumour. The back row player collapsed in the Durham Cup final, whilst on loan to Darlington Mowden Park in April 2003. Soa was rushed to hospital, where a scan revealed a tumour for which he underwent immediate surgery. Despite months of treatment doctors were unable to reverse the damage caused by the tumour, and Soa tragically passed away in March 2004.

The Benevolent Fund made a donation in October 2003 to assist Soa, his wife Jenny and young children, Eric and Lily, with his medical costs. The fund contributed a further £6,000 following a series of raffles held during the 2004 RBS Six Nations Internationals games at Twickenham.

Soa’s strength, determination and courage in the face of adversity is an example to us all and he will be greatly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.