Shock at sudden death of rugby league player after match

Tributes have been paid to a popular rugby league player who suffered a suspected heart attack while walking to the clubhouse after playing in a match.
Dave BatchelorDave Batchelor
Dave Batchelor

Father-of-two Dave Batchelor, 43, collapsed on Sunday afternoon following a Masters game for players aged over 35 at Oulton Raiders ground next to Rothwell Sports Centre.

Leeds Masters RL player Mr Batchelor, of Farsley, had answered a call to play for Halifax team Boothtown Terriers, who were short of players for the game against Oulton Raiders Masters.

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Oulton Raiders player Lee Bryan, 41, of Wrenthorpe, said: “It was a good game, contested really well.

“All the players shook hands in Masters tradition and we all got in a huddle and gave three cheers for the opposition.

“We had the huddle and Dave went off to walk towards the clubhouse. Myself and a couple of teammates were walking behind him.”

Mr Bryan said Mr Batchelor, who was known to friends as ‘Batch’, collapsed and players attempted to resuscitate him before paramedics arrived at the ground.

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Mr Bryan said: “It was just total shock. There were blokes in tears who had tried to revive him. It was heartbreaking to see.

Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)
Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)

“He was put in the ambulance and 15 minutes later we received a call saying he had passed away.”

Leeds Rhinos fan Mr Batchelor had played for Stanningley RL Club for many years and coached the Under 15’s team.

He had been playing for Leeds Masters at West Leeds Sports and Social Club in Wortley for around three years.

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Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan, 34, played junior rugby from aged nine Stanningley when Mr Batchelor was an assistant coach.

Two of Mr Jones-Buchanan’s four sons currently play junior rugby at Stanningley.

He said: “It is a big shock to me to hear that he has passed. He was very enthusiastic and a big part of Stanningley RL Club. The amateur game is built on people like him.

“They are the foundation, without guys like that us professional players wouldn’t be able to go on the journeys and win the trophies.

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“He was passionate about rugby and he died doing what he loved. He will be remembered for being one of the pillars of the community game.

“Stanningley is phenomenal. It’s probably one of the best amateur clubs in the country. It is built on people like Batch.”

Leeds Masters team manager Kath Wilson, said: “We are completely devastated. We are heartbroken. He is a friend and a teammate.”

Mr Batchelor leaves sons Jordan Anderson, 20, and Brandon Batchelor, 16, both rugby players.

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Jordan had a scholarship with Castleford Tigers and now plays scrum half for Shawcross Sharks in Dewsbury. He suffered two broken bones in his neck during a game for the Sharks in August but has now recovered and is back playing.

Brandon plays for Stanningley RL Club Under 15s and has also won a scholarship with Castleford Tigers.

Mr Bachelor’s mother Janette Marshall, 60, said: “The boys are absolutely devastated. We all are.

“It’s just such a shock to collapse and die like that. They are nearly 100 per cent sure it was a massive heart attack.”

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Mrs Marshall said: ”Rugby was his life. If someone rang him and said they were short (of players), it doesn’t matter who it was and where it was he would go. That’s how he was. He has gone to play rugby union when they have been short at Bramley. He was just rugby mad.

“He was a gentle giant, He would help anybody. He was caring, I couldn’t have wished for a better son.

“His sons were the world to him, He would do anything for them.”

Stanningley RL Club has posted a statement on its website, which reads: “Everybody at Stanningley are in shock at the sad news of Batch passing away on Sunday 22nd November. We send our condolences to Jordan, Brandon and the rest of Dave’s family and friends at this sad time.

“The club would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment he made to Stanningley over the years as player and coach and he will be sadly missed by all.”

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