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GEORGE NEWS - The sudden death of a young rugby star from Riversdale shocked the community of this close-knit town in the Garden Route. Matlann-Jo Fielies (26), captain of Riversdale Blues Rugby Club's first team, died last Saturday at George Hospital. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
Several people's lives will be saved after a successful retrieval of Fielies's organs was done at the hospital on Sunday. It is said that specialist surgical teams from Johannesburg and Cape Town flew in for the organ retrieval and was assisted by hospital staff.
Last match
A facial injury Fielies sustained on the rugby field in February is believed to have led to the sport star's death. According to the Blues' chairperson, Reon Sauls, Fielies broke his nose in a maul during a match on home ground, playing against Progress from George. "He finished the game, nothing could get him under. He was a tiger on the field," said Sauls. "A few days after the match Matlann paid a visit to a doctor who treated his broken nose. During his rugby career he had many on-field injuries, he was very tough. However, it was clear to me that he never fully recovered after the incident."
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Fielies suffered severe headaches, paying numerous visits to the hospital in Riversdale. Last week, days before his death, Fielies felt unwell at Sentraal-Suid Koöperasie (SSK) where he worked, and went home. "Saturday morning he fell from his bed, unconscious, and was taken to Riversdale Hospital," said Sauls. From there Fielies was transferred to the George Hospital. The life support equipment was switched off on Sunday, after he was declared brain dead on Saturday.
Matlann Fielies (left) receives his award as the best player at a VGK Sport Day in 2016. With him is Hendrik Saayman, coach of the Albertinia Rangers. Another milestone for Fielies was being awarded the title Riversdale Blues Rugby Club Player of the Year for two consecutive years - 2017 and 2018. Photo: Heinrich Fortuin
Darling on the field
As the darling of the Blues, Fielies had many fans on and off the field. Supporters of the club, fellow teammates, other rugby club members and friends posted their condolences on the Blues' Facebook page after the news of his passing spread.
Sauls said his thought was initially to cancel their rugby matches in Mossel Bay last Saturday. "But both our teams said they want to play and dedicate their matches to Matlann. I have never seen so many grown men cry in my life - including the team members of Mossel Bay Rugby Club. We will remember him for his leadership, his discipline, kind nature and enthusiasm. If it weren't for Matlann, I would not have been where I am today, at the helm of the club. He is my son too."
Suid-Kaap Forum sport reporter Heinrich Fortuin has many fond memories of Fielies on the field. "The camera was always on Matlann. I watched him grow into a formidable rugby player. He showed so much talent," said Fortuin.
"Every time he scored a try, Matlann would bend over backwards and give a cry - similar to the trademark of the All Blacks, which he dearly loved."
# 7 jersey
Riversdale Blues Rugby Club decided to mount their captain's rugby jersey - the number seven jersey he wore at his last match - in his remembrance. They will also honour Fielies's uncle, Dave Fielies (59), a former rugby player of the Riversdale Blues in the 1980's, who passed away on Tuesday 9 April after a long illness, with a framed jersey.
Suid-Kaap Forum journalist Keith Eksteen reported on the double tragedy that hit the Fielies family with the death of Dave Fielies.
Fielies was awarded the title Player of the Year for two consecutive years - 2017 and 2018. Photo: Heinrich Fortuin
Dave's memorial service will take place this weekend, followed by a service for Matlann-Jo next Wednesday. His funeral will take place next Saturday. The venue has not yet been decided upon. He leaves behind his mom, Merle Fielies, sister Jennevé-Lee and three children, Camlyn-Joy (8), Matlann-Jo junior (10 months) and Alanay (1 month).
Merle Fielies has a heartfelt wish to have her son's rugby boots immortalised in bronze. Anyone who wishes to contribute towards this project can contact Reon Sauls at Riversdale Blues Rugby Club.
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