Rugby loses youth player

T&T rugby is in shock at the news of the sudden death of talented centre field player Kendall Mootoo. The 21-year-old former St Mary’s College student, who played for Caribs rugby football club and represented T&T at under-19, development and national senior men’s 7s and 15-a-side rugby teams, is said to have committed suicide at his Diego Martin home. Earlier this year Mootoo made his senior 15s debut against Barbados and Guyana. He was described by Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union(TTRFU) chairman of the selectors and men’s senior team manager, Curtis Nero, as a disciplined, courageous and dedicated young man who always represented his country with pride and dignity. “Kendall had a very bright future. He was one of the players who would have played a significant part in our rugby plans in the lead up to the Rio de Janiero Olympics 2016. I extend deepest condolences to his parents, sisters, friends and team-mates.  “Today is a very sad day,” said Nero

Mootoo’s national and club team-mates used facebook to post messages and console each other as the well liked and pleasant young man and rugby talent was fondly remembered. Some of his team-mates who would have played with him at under-19 through to national senior team level were distraught at the news. Nero declined to comment on the specifics of Mootoo’s death out of respect for the bereaved family . “Kendall was always respectful and willing to go the extra mile. He never gave less than 100 per cent. He could be depended on and trusted with the responsibility of wearing national colours. Words cannot express the sense of loss and sadness.”

Mootoo represented T&T at North America and Caribbean Rugby Association(NACRA) Caribbean under-19 rugby championships between 2006 and 2009. In May this year he was one of 13 uncapped young players selected for the 2011 Caribbean senior men’s  championship. In July 2010 he made his national men’s senior team sevens debut when T&T participated in the historic Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games at the National Stadium Georgetown, Guyana.