Tributes paid to former Rotherham rugby player killed in sea tragedy

TRIBUTES HAVE have been paid to a popular rugby coach who died in a freak accident after he was hit by a giant wave on holiday in France.

Tragic Rob Walton, 36, suffered whiplash after being struck by a powerful wave in a supervised swimming area in Labenne, in south-western France.

Paramedics were called to the world-famous surfing beach at 2pm on Monday and spent nearly an hour trying to revive the former rugby star.

But tragically the dad-of-four, who was on holiday with his wife and children, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Walton was bathing at the beach in the Landes region of Aquitaine - which faces the open Atlantic and boasts the largest number of surf spots in Europe.

Preliminary investigations by local police revealed he was “hit in the spine by a big wave” and suffered whiplash.

According to French media reports, director of services at Labenne Town Hall said officials don’t know the exact cause of death.

Mr Walton, who was known as ‘Yoghurt’ or ‘Horse’ to pals, began his rugby career at Hinckley RFC where he played for every age group.

The talented lock played alongside All Blacks stars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter when he played for Shirley RFC in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2001.

Mr Walton was also playing for Birmingham and Solihull RFC when they famously beat Premiership giants Wasps in a cup quarter final in 2004.

He continued playing in the second tier of English rugby for Rotherham and Coventry and had another stint back at Hinckley before retiring.

Mr Walton then went into coaching and had just completed his second season at Rugby Lions, guiding them to two successive promotions.

In a statement, the Warwickshire club said: “It is with great sadness to announce the death of Lions Head Coach and friend.

“Yoghurt was instrumental in the rebuilding of Lions and his hard work, determination and sense of humour will be sadly missed by us all.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

“He may have passed away but he will not be forgotten. Once a Lion, always a Lion.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm the death of a British National in France on 10 August.

“We are in contact with the family to offer support at this difficult time.”