A rugby player has tragically lost his life following an accident during a pre-season training session in Argentina. Juan Manuel Perillo, known as 'Paquete', was a member of the Los Espinillos club in the Argentine city of Concordia. The 42-year-old is understood to have collapsed before striking his head 'hard'. His team-mates were in attendance and immediately summoned medical assistance but he couldn't be saved. According to Radio Mitre, an ambulance was dispatched following urgent requests from Perillo's team-mates. He is reported to have received treatment from paramedics at the training ground, where CPR was performed, before being transported to Delicia Concepción Masvernat Hospital.

Medical staff continued resuscitation attempts during the journey to hospital. Nevertheless, he was pronounced dead minutes after arrival at the hospital. "It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Juan Manuel "Paquete" Perillo, a rugby player for the Los Espinillos club, a loss that has deeply affected the Concordia sports community," local sports broadcaster 3200 Deportes wrote on Instagram. "Perillo was participating in preseason training at San Carlos Park when he suffered a medical emergency that ultimately led to his death.

"The rugby player was well-loved within the club and among his teammates. He was a champion of the Provincial Tournament, an achievement that is etched in the club's history.

"Those who played alongside him remember him as a committed player on the field and a great team-mate off it. His passing has caused deep sorrow among family, friends, and the entire local rugby community."

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According to separate reports from Diario Rio Uruguay, Perillo's club has been a cornerstone in the Entre Rios rugby community since the 1980s. Former players include Argentina international Marcos Kremer, who was born in Concordia and spent time at Los Espinillos as a youngster

"With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Juan Manuel Perillo, a player of our club," Los Espinillos announced in a social media statement. "We respectfully and affectionately accompany his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

"Juan Manuel was an integral part of our institution, defending these colours on the field and sharing the camaraderie and values of the club off it. His time with the team and the memory of him will always remain in our hearts. We offer a prayer for his eternal rest and send our most sincere condolences to his entire family and loved ones."

Tributes flooded in in response to the announcement. "A lot of sadness. My condolences to his family and friends," one wrote.

"May he rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire club," another added.