Welsh teen rugby star Luc Evans dies after battling aggressive brain tumour

Sixteen-year-old Luc Evans, a back-rower for Haverfordwest RFC, passed away on Friday after a two-year battle with a glioblastoma diagnosed in August 2024. Initially given a prognosis of nine to twelve months, he received care at Velindre cancer centre in Cardiff and the Royal Marsden in London, where he participated in a clinical trial for a new medication. Throughout his treatment he kept playing rugby when possible and assisted on his family’s farm near Haverfordwest.

His family - parents Eifion and Karen and siblings Nia, Huw and Jac - described him as quiet, resilient and unwilling to let the disease halt his life. Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies wore special boots bearing Luc’s name during a match against Newcastle and messaged Luc’s father after scoring a try. Coach Trigger Brazell called Luc an “inspiration” and a silent leader, and a minute’s silence was observed before the club’s weekend games. Fundraising efforts by his school, club and friends amassed close to £50,000 for cancer-related charities.