The rugby union and wider communities are mourning the tragic death of Phil Waugh‘s son Jack at age 21. The Waugh family released a statement on Friday to confirm the devastating news.
“Words cannot express the profound sadness we feel at the loss of our beloved son, Jack,” the family said, according to The Daily Telegraph. “Jack was a fun-loving young man whose warmth and spirit touched all who knew him, and he will remain forever in our hearts.
“As we come to terms with the shock of his passing, we kindly ask that the privacy of his family and friends be respected during this time of grief. We are deeply grateful for the messages of love and support we have received.”
Phil Waugh with sons Jack and Charlie. Image: Getty/Charlie Waugh
Jack was Waugh’s eldest son with first wife Michelle. The family statement didn’t include Jack’s cause of death. His younger brother Charlie had paid on emotional tribute on social media earlier this week.
“To my big brother,” Charlie wrote. “I love you more than words could ever explain. You helped me grow into the person I am today, always looked out for me and protected me when I needed it most.
“I’ll carry everything you taught me for the rest of my life. I know you’ll be looking over me from wherever you are, and I know you’ll always be rooting for me. I hope I can make you proud. Rest easy Jack, I love you, always and forever.”
Phil Waugh played 79 Tests for the Wallabies and 136 games for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby. He’s now the chief executive of Rugby Australia.
One person commented on Charlie’s post: “Sending lots of love to you and the family.” Another wrote: “Sorry for your loss Charlie, condolences to you and the family.”
Phil Waugh during a Test for the Wallabies in 2003. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images)
Phil Waugh on son’s difficult first few weeks
Jack spent the first three months of his life in an intensive care ward after being born premature and weighing less than one kilogram. It led Phil to become an ambassador for the Miracle Babies Foundation, which holds an annual 10km walk in Sydney.
“Quite confronting when you have hopes of a healthy newborn, and they come 13 weeks early. And at that weight, it’s quite terrifying for any parent,” Phil said in 2019.
“We were in intensive care for 12 weeks, and obviously you just don’t know what the outcome’s going to be. But also not just the short-term outcome but also the long-term effects. And we’ve been particularly lucky with our son Jack, and he’s got no issues today but certainly others aren’t as lucky as what we are.”