IRFU ULSTER BRANCH: It is with sincere regret that the Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch has learned of the death of Ben Robinson who collapsed during a rugby match at Carrickfergus Grammar School on Saturday morning.

The heartfelt condolences of the IRFU Ulster Branch and the entire rugby fraternity are extended to Ben’s parents, family and all at Carrickfergus Grammar School at this time.

PRESS RELEASE FROM CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The Board of Governors, staff and pupils of Carrickfergus Grammar School extend their heartfelt condolences to the family of Ben Robinson who has lost his life in the Royal Victoria Hospital after collapsing at a Medallion Shield rugby match here at the school on Saturday morning.

I know I speak for all who knew Ben when I say that he was a vivacious and highly popular pupil with a broad smile and a great sense of humour. Ben brought heart to everything he did, and that was very evident in how well he played for the school on Saturday morning. His parents have every right to be deeply proud of him.

Ben’s loss will obviously be felt keenly by many, many pupils throughout the school, but most especially by his older sister, Holly, whom we shall all be doing our utmost to support. We have arranged for counselling to be made available and our pastoral care team will make it their priority to help pupils through these tragic days and the weeks and months beyond. We shall also be opening a book of condolence so that staff and pupils have the chance to convey to Ben’s family their deep regrets and yet many happy memories of a boy who brought so much to his life and the lives of those who knew him.

It is with sincere regret that the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union has learned of the death of Ben Robinson, who collapsed during a rugby match at Carrickfergus Grammar School on Saturday morning.

The heartfelt condolences of the IRFU Ulster Branch and the entire rugby fraternity are extended to Ben’s parents, family and all at Carrickfergus Grammar School at this time.