British rugby player dies in Ibiza balcony fall

A BRITISH man has died after falling from his hotel balcony on the party island of Ibiza.

Luke Rhoden, a former Rugby League player, was seen to plummet from his hotel room balcony in the famous Ibiza Rocks hotel in San Antonio.

The 25-year-old survived the fall before launching into a struggle with Guardia Civil officers as they tried to restrain him to get him into an ambulance.

The former prop forward for Wigan Warriors was seen running around as if he were out of his mind before falling from the first floor. It remains unclear as to whether he fell or jumped from the balcony.

It is reported that paramedics tried to stabilise him for 40 minutes, but he died whilst in the ambulance.

Former coaches and players in the rugby world have been left shocked by the incident. Shaun Wane, head coach of the Wigan Warriors, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, said: “I was absolutely devastated and saddened when news reached me of Luke’s death.

“I almost crashed my car I was so shocked and taken aback because I knew him well and he was a great lad. It’s a real tragedy.

“It is very hard coming to terms with what’s happened because I spent a lot of time working and coaching Luke when he was a young player coming through.

“They were good times and Luke was so keen. 

“I coached him at Wigan when he was in the junior ranks at 16s, 17s and 18s level. He was a good lad who would look after himself.

“He was what I would term a rough diamond.

“He went into the semi professional ranks before ending up at Oldham.

“I really feel for his family at this very sad time.”

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the exact cause of the young player’s death. Whether Rhoden was under the influence of drink or drugs at the time of the incident will be determined by the examination.

In a statement issued by the British Foreign Office, a spokesperson said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in Ibiza on September 3.

“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”