Rugby Coach ‘Killed By Giant Wave’ On Holiday

Rob Walton was on holiday with his wife and children when he was struck by a huge wave while swimming at a supervised beach in Labenne in the Landes region in Aquitaine in south-western France at about 2pm on Monday (August 10). Lifeguards pulled him from the water after other holidaymakers spotted him floating on the surface.

The Express reports that sea was not described as particularly rough, but that the wave had been “strong”, and possibly broke the man’s spine.

Mr Walton then went into coaching and had just completed his second season at Rugby Lions, guiding them to two successive promotions.

The area is popular with surfers because large waves that have come across the Atlantic break on the shore there. “When he was brought of the water he was in an advanced state of drowning”.

“He may have fallen ill while swimming, which can happen or he may have been hit by a wave”.

Hinckley RFC, where Mr Walton started playing, said he was killed in a “beach accident in SW France”.

He also spent part of his career playing in New Zealand with Christchurch-based Shirley RFC and also alongside legendary All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw for Canterbury B.

Hinckley’s fixtures secretary Steve Avent said: “I met Rob when he was 10”.

“It’s obviously a tremendous shock”.

“Yoghurt was instrumental in the rebuilding of Lions and his hard work, determination and sense of humour will be sadly missed by us all. It’s a massive loss to the club, his father is a good friend of mine and can’t imagine what they must be going though”.

“RIP Yoghurt. Our thoughts and love are with you and your family, now and in the future”.

The Titans said: “We are sorry to learn of the tragic death of former Titan Rob Walton, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time”.

In recent times, has been Player-Coach at the re-incarnated Rugby Lions RFC.

“He may have passed away but he will not be forgotten”.