The rugby community, especially Newcastle Falcons fans, are in mourning after news that title-winning prop Paul Van-Zandvliet died aged 50 after a long battle with an inoperable brain tumour.
Having been diagnosed with his illness in early 2016, the prop who made 22 Premiership Rugby appearances for the club met his condition in typically uncompromising fashion and set about raising funds for charity and for the foundation set up to support his young daughter Hope-Elle.
Those efforts included a benefit game at Kingston Park Stadium last April, when former team-mates rallied behind the North Shields-born front rower to put on a star-studded game.
Here is how social media reacted:
We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Van-Zandvliet & extend heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. https://t.co/QqDu9xHyIY pic.twitter.com/q42YVcPuEQ
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) June 14, 2017
An inspirational, humble man and a huge loss. Utmost respect and deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends https://t.co/H5r3vOHoCG
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) June 14, 2017
Condolences to the family of Paul van Zandvliet from us down in NZ. Very sad news.
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) June 14, 2017
Some sad news to bring you.
Former Newcastle Falcons prop Paul van Zandvliet has died of cancer at the age of 50.https://t.co/F7Ef9jUbG4 pic.twitter.com/BVAE1b6loi
— BBC Rugby Union (@bbcrugbyunion) June 14, 2017
Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at @FalconsRugby and the family of former player Paul Van Zandvliet, who has sadly passed away. https://t.co/zJlZk5PxPA
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 14, 2017
Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at @FalconsRugby and the family of former player Paul Van Zandvliet, who has sadly passed away. https://t.co/zJlZk5PxPA
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 14, 2017
RIP TANK
We are saddened to learn former @FalconsRugby Paul Van-Zandvliet has passed away. Our thoughts are with Paul’s friends…(1/2) https://t.co/ezf2mFBNAn
— South Shields RFC 🏉 (@ShieldsRugby) June 14, 2017
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former @FalconsRugby prop Paul Van-Zandvliet. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family & friends. pic.twitter.com/ES2jeqoBy2
— The RPA (@theRPA) June 14, 2017
Thoughts & heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Paul Van-Zandvliet.
A wonderful man, who fought right to the end. RIP Tankie. pic.twitter.com/QGbJa4NvgD— Restart Rugby (@RestartRugby) June 14, 2017