/monthly_04_2009/post-6862-0-1446023879-78252_thumb.jpg" data-fileid="2869299" alt="post-6862-0-1446023879-78252_thumb.jpg" data-ratio="66.41">

/monthly_04_2009/post-6862-0-1446023879-89813_thumb.jpg" data-fileid="2869305" alt="post-6862-0-1446023879-89813_thumb.jpg" data-ratio="66.41">

Brumbies lock Shawn Mackay has died in hospital in Durban. Mackay was seriously injured in a road accident in Durban last Sunday morning.

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says while Mackay had shown positive signs of recovery from his injuries, a subsequent blood infection has claimed his life.

"Shawn contracted an infection of his bloodstream after his surgery. He deteriorated rapidly, and suffered a cardiac arrest from which he didn't recover," said Fagan.

"This is devestating news for his family and for all of us in the Brumbies community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

Mackay had been admitted to St Augustine's hospital in Durban with a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull as well as a broken leg and multiple facial fractures after being struck by the vehicle.

The incident occurred about 4.15am Durban time when Mackay and a number of other Brumbies were leaving a nightclub, having wound down after their Super 14 loss to the Sharks the previous evening.

Mackay's parents, John and Leonie, and girlfriend Trish flew to South Africa on Tuesday to be by his side.

Waratahs' Chief Executive Officer Jim L'Estrange said the news has shocked the Rugby community.

"The thoughts of NSW Rugby and the Waratahs are with Shawn's family, friends and teammates at this extremely sad time," said L'Estrange.

"Most of the squad, as well as many team staff have been associated with Shawn in school, club and state teams, as well as at international levels in age teams and Sevens.

"Shawn was highly respected both on and off the field and will be missed by the entire Rugby community."

Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John O'Neill said the thoughts and prayers of the Australian Rugby Community are with Shawn's family.

"Shawn was a wonderful young man, a credit to the game of Rugby, and much loved by all who knew him," said O'Neill.

"We were all hoping after the terrible events of last week that he would recover from what were horrific injuries.

"He had a fighting spirit that inspired those around him.

"As captain of the Australian Sevens team, his leadership qualities were evident to anyone who came into contact with that team.

"Last year he also took on the coaching of the Australian Women's Sevens team and guided them to the Oceania title which qualified the side for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens. The girls, after winning the World Cup, paid tribute to the role Shawn had played in their quest.

R.I.P