Freak accident kills former Rotherham Titans ace

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).

He was pulled from the water by lifeguards, after his body was spotted floating on the surface by other holidaymakers.

The source said: “Conditions were not particularly rough otherwise”.

“It is with great sadness to announce the death of Lions head coach and friend Rob Walton who passed away yesterday whilst on holiday in France with his family”, it said.

Medics tried to revive Mr Walton but were unable to save him.

The area is popular with surfers because large waves that have come across the Atlantic break on the shore there.

He was scouted as a talented youngster at Hinckley RFC and even played across the globe in New Zealand for Shirley RFC in Christchurch.

Lionel Couture, director of services at Labenne Town Hall told a local newspaper that officials do not yet know the exact cause of death.

Mr Walton was also playing for Birmingham and Solihull RFC when they famously beat Premiership giants Wasps in a cup quarter final in 2004.

“It’s obviously a tremendous shock”.

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”.

Rugby Lions vice-chairman and friend of Rob, Jeff Nowill, described him as: “One hell of a man. A shining individual as an on-the-field coach and teammate and an off-the-field father and husband”.

A shocking loss considering his age and young family, “Horse” was only with Broadstreet for a season playing 1st XV, but his contribution was valued, as he often took the time to engage with members who were not involved with the 1st XV. “Once a Lion, always a Lion”.