Australian rugby player dies of head injury

A minute’s silence observed in memory of James Ackerman, who passed away

Brisbane, June 22 (IANS) Rugby player James Ackerman, who was seriously injured during a Queensland Cup match in Australia, has died in hospital, it was announced on Monday.

Ackerman, 25, was turning up for the Sunshine Coast Falcons when he suffered a head injury in a tackle only minutes into the encounter against Norths Devils.

Ackerman, father of two, was treated on the field at Bishop Park, before being taken to a hospital here, and Saturday's game was then abandoned, reports bbc.co.uk.

Queensland Rugby League (QRL) on Monday confirmed Ackerman's death.

A minute's silence was held for the player prior to Monday's NRL game between St George-Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters.

Both sets of players also wore black armbands in mourning.

A statement from the family which includes Ackerman's wife Saraa, children Olliver and Milly, brothers Andrew and Thomas and parents Michael and Sonya read: "James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you."