A tragic incident has rocked the world of rugby as French Under-18 international Medhi Narjissi is missing after being swept away by a wave while swimming in the sea off Cape Town.
The promising young player, who had recently signed with Toulouse, was on a recovery session with his teammates in South Africa when the accident occurred on Wednesday.
Despite a massive search operation involving boats and a helicopter, the 17-year-old remains unaccounted for.
Narjissi was part of the French squad preparing for an upcoming five-nation tournament, but the focus has shifted to the desperate search for the missing player.
Strong rip currents are believed to have contributed to the incident, according to local authorities.
The rugby community has been left devastated by the news, with condolences pouring in from around the world.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander expressed the nation’s sorrow and offered support to the Narjissi family.
As the search continues, hopes for a positive outcome dwindle.
