HEARTBROKEN teammates have paid tribute to a “special” young rugby player who was “full of potential”, following his tragic death last week.
Logan Holgate, 18, who played for Hensingham ARLC in the open age and Under 18s, passed away suddenly last Wednesday.
He was also a part of the England Community Lions squad which defeated France to win the Under 19 European Championships in Italy last year.
The former St Benedict’s School pupil had been studying an electrical apprenticeship with Sellafield Ltd and training at Gen2.
Around 20 of Logan’s teammates at Hensingham ARLFC have honoured him with a tribute tattoo, bearing his initials and the number seven, which was his shirt number.
A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Logan’s family has now reached over £30,000.
Jessie Joe Parker, Logan’s coach at Hensingham ARLFC, said: “Logan has been one of the nicest people I have ever come across. So young and full of potential.
“He is one of the lads that you want to see every time you’re in the Hensingham club. He always put a smile on your face.
“Being alongside him and coaching him was one of the best times of me being a first time coach. I’ve enjoyed teaching him.
“Supporters at the club can see that he and his fellow play mates were so eager to learn and I was so happy to be part of a young team that will learn so much from me.
“Losing him was a shocker, not only to me but to the rest of Hensingham, friends and family, and also his age group. I will surely miss him.
“He is one of my favourite players and so are the others. I love him to bits. Rest easy Logan, ‘til we meet again.”
Miller Dalton, Logan’s cousin and teammate, said: “He was one of a kind. I never heard one bad word about him from anyone. He was loved by so many. I’m just proud to call him my mate.”
Scott Egan, Logan’s best friend and teammate, said: “It was a pleasure to play with Logan and to call him my best mate. He will never be forgotten.”
John Pilkington, Hensingham ARLFC committee member and friend, said: “Logan was a talented rugby league player with the world at his feet, once met never forgotten. A huge character within the club who will be sorely missed by family and all associated with the club.”
Josh Rogerson, friend and teammate, said: “Logan was one of the nicest young men you could ever meet. He's been like a younger brother to so many of us. Funny, cheeky and always smiling.
“It's been a pleasure to play alongside him and be able to call him my mate. My thoughts go out to Lisa, Ellison, Fletcher and all of Logan’s other family and friends. You'll be a big miss to us all.”
A tribute from a group of Logan’s friends said: “Logan was one of our best mates, he was funny, chatty and an excellent sportsman who excelled in football and rugby.
“Being in so many teams, Logan became a very popular lad and not one person had a bad word to say about him.
“We are all absolutely devastated that’s he’s passed and he will be a massive miss for everyone who knew him. There was no one quite like him. He was special. RIP, love you, Log.”
READ MORE: Rugby community 'devastated' by loss of 'brilliant' Logan Holgate, 18
READ MORE: Tributes to Hensingham and England Community Lions star Logan Holgate
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