Women's rugby player dies

Nairobi - Kenyan women's rugby captain Aberdeen Shikoyi died after failing to recover from surgery on a fracture to her spine, an official said on Wednesday, terming the 27-year-old's death "unfortunate".

Shikoyi sustained the fatal injury after a collision with an Ugandan opponent during the first leg of the annual Elgon Cup at Kampala's Kyadondo Stadium on April 21.

She received emergency treatment on the pitch before being taken to a Kampala hospital and was later airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment. She succumbed to her injuries on Saturday.

"She suffered a spinal cord injury. She underwent surgery but did not recover," said Kenya Rugby Football spokesperson Michael Kwambo.

"We have lost one of our most gifted female players. She was a strong-willed person and a natural leader on-and-off the pitch.

"This was just an unfortunate incident where nobody was to blame. Our condolences go out to Shikoyi's family at this trying time. The federation is involved in the funeral arrangements" Kwambo added.

Shikoyi, who was also the captain of local league club Mwamba, will be buried on Saturday.