Tributes have poured in for an 18-year-old rugby player who has died suddenly.
Logan Holgate played for Hensingham ARLFC and was part of the England Lions Community team who recently won the European Championship in Italy.
The Hensingham club said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of one our lads Logan Holgate.
“Logan has been with the club since he was young and has been playing for our open age and under 18s this year.
“We would like to place on record our condolences to the family and friends.
“We are all devastated at the news and will continue to support the family as much as we can.”
England Lions RL said: “Everyone connected with the England Community Lions Programme was saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Logan Holgate.
“The talented hooker, who played with distinction for Hensingham, including in the melting pot of the National Conference last season, followed the family tradition in represent the Lions, hot on the heels of big brother Ellison and younger brother Fletcher.
“Logan first caught attention in 2021 and made his Lions debut for the Under 16s in a victory over Wales at Colwyn Bay. Such was his burgeoning club form, that it wasn’t long before he was firmly in the plans of the Under 19s selectors, firstly impressing in trials, before making the final touring squad that created history in Italy last September.
“Whilst in Italy, he was a virtual ever present during the exhausting six game qualifying day, impressing team mates and staff alike with his work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour.
“He then played superbly in the semi final and again in the final as the Lions swept aside Wales before defeating France to win the Under 19 European Championships for the first time in dramatic and emotional scenes.
“He leaves a lasting legacy on the programme and staff – a brilliant young man and team mate. All our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this devastating time.
Peter Gilmour, of Seaton Rangers, said: “I had the privilege of coaching him with West Cumbria and then as an opposing coach regularly had to admire his talent watching him torment many Seaton teams.
“The photo [above] is of him winning the European under 19 championships with England in 2022. Something that sums him up as a player and a person – a winner with a big smile on his face.
“Logan was a kid you couldn’t not love, a huge talent and fierce competitor. A genuinely fantastic young man.
“On behalf of all at the club we send our deepest condolences to Ellison and Fletcher, and to everyone connected with Hensingham ARLFC at this difficult time.
“You’re in all of our thoughts.
“Rest in peace Logan. You will be missed but never forgotten.”
A statement from St Benedict’s RUFC said: “All at St Benedict’s are devastated. At just 18 he was a rising star on the rugby scene locally and nationally.
“He was instrumental in our youth set up down at Bennies, playing through the years. We had a few words from his youth coaches saying: ‘He was always a pain in the backside, for both the opposition and coaches but also one of the nicest lads you could ever meet!’
“So on that note we send our thoughts and deepest condolences to Logan’s family and friends at this sad time..
“We also pass on our thoughts and condolences to all his team mates and Hensingham Rugby League Club as a whole where Logan played. RIP Logan. You will be missed.”
West Cumbria Masters RLFC said: “It is with great shock and even greater sadness we learned of the death of a fine young man Logan Holgate.
“Over the winter he had become a regular at a Monday night mixed age touch rugby session .A under-19 community international to his credit he bought into the ethos of what we were doing and no question was a popular participant.
“A great lad who had the world at his feet not just in a sporting context. Can’t believe he won’t be with us next Monday .Really is a case of a shining star taken too soon .Our though are with his family at this sad time. RIP Logan.”
The former St Benedict’s School student also played for football side Cleator Moor Celtic.
The club said: “Logan currently playing with our u18s was a very popular lad within the group. He was a talented lad who also represented Hensingham ARLFC,our thoughts are with them also at this difficult time. We offer our love and deepest condolences to Ellison, Fletcher and whole family. We are here to support anyone effected by this tragedy.”
Chairman Graeme Close said the club would be paying its respects to Logan this weekend.
Whitehaven Miners Social football Club said: “Everybody is devastated at the news. We would like to pass on our condolences to his family, friends and local teams.”
Moor Row FC called him “an excellent athlete who excelled in football and rugby.”
Condolences have also been sent by Salford Red Devils, Egremont Rangers rugby side, Distington ARL, Wath Brow Hornets and many others.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help support Logan’s family. It has already raised over £23,000 in 24 hours. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/7834542e
