At just 25 Otuvaka’s situation is very serious; he has since developed diabetes and now requires six weeks of daily chemo and radiotherapy to improve his chances of living.

PRA Chief Executive Damian Hopley said, “We are deeply saddened by Soa’s current condition and we are liaising regularly with his family to ensure he is able to receive the treatment he needs. We just hope this payout will go some way to ensuring that is the case.”

“Thanks to funds raised from PRA Events, we were able to make a donation from the PRA Injured Players Benevolent Fund in October to assist with Soa’s medical costs, and we have advised his family we will cover further costs for the daily treatment he now requires.”
Soa’s wife Jenny Otuvaka said, “We are extremely grateful to the PRA for all their help and support, they could not have been more helpful. It is a great relief to have received this insurance money. We had previously looked at purchasing personal accident cover for Soa whilst he was playing but it was too expensive. Had he not had this cover under the PRA, things could have been a lot worse. This should serve as a serious reminder to Soa’s peers, the importance of protecting themselves against serious injury or illness.”

To find out how you can help Soa please contact Alex Anderson at the PRA Offices, 020 8334 8019.

The PRA Benevolent Fund is dependant on funds raised from PRA events and the support of the rugby public. To find out more about the PRA and PRA events, visit www.prarugby.com.

Newcastle Falcons Chief Executive John Parkinson is seen here presenting Soa Otuvaka with a cheque donation from the PRA Benevolent Fund together with Falcon’s Captain, Mark Andrews and Damian Hopley, CEO of the PRA.