Tragedy Strikes: French Rugby Prodigy Swept Away by Cape Town Wave

Medhi Narjissi, a 17-year-old French rugby player, went missing after being swept away by a wave in Cape Town. He was part of the France under-18 team. Despite extensive search operations, no trace of him has been found. Condolences and support have been offered by rugby authorities and communities.

Medhi Narjissi, a promising 17-year-old French rugby player, went missing after being swept away by a wave while swimming off the coast of Cape Town, a tragedy prompting an outpouring of condolences and support.

Narjissi, part of the France under-18 team scheduled to participate in an upcoming four-nation tournament in South Africa, was last seen during a recovery session on Wednesday. Immediate rescue efforts involving sea rescue boats and a helicopter proved unsuccessful, with divers continuing the search on Thursday.

The National Sea Rescue Institute suspects strong rip currents might have pulled Narjissi out to sea. The South African Rugby Union and the French Rugby Federation extended their deepest sympathies to Narjissi's family and the wider rugby community. The FFR has decided to withdraw from the tournament and launched an internal investigation into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)