Rugby: Brumbies return to tragic news on Mackay

Brumbies Super 14 rugby players travelling home from South Africa were told of teammate Shawn Mackay's death when they arrived in Australia.

The Super 14 player died in a Durban hospital yesterday after suffering a heart attack.

Mackay had shown some positive signs after being brought out of a medically induced coma after being struck by a vehicle in Durban a week ago and he underwent spinal surgery.

But he developed an infection in his bloodstream and his condition deteriorated rapidly.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said the players, flying back from the three-match trip to South Africa when he died, were told of Mackay's death when their plane touched down in Sydney.

"I've also spoken to coach Andy Friend on the flight and told him of the news," Fagan said.

He informed the players when the plane landed in Sydney.

Fagan said Mackay picked up an infection a couple of days ago which was being treated with antibiotics.

"However, those antibiotics were failing to do the job and the doctors were unable to identify the source of the infection," he said, adding it led to a rapid deterioration of Mackay's condition in the last 12 hours.

"It's been a shock," he said.

Fagan wasn't sure how the team would cope with having to confront the Stormers in Canberra on Saturday.

"I'm not sure at the moment how we're going to deal with that as a playing group.

"But they were able to rally for the game against the Cheetahs when dealing with Shawn's injuries in hospital.

"I expect they'll try and do their best again this weekend."

South African police said the driver of the vehicle which struck the lock forward may be charged with reckless and negligent driving.

A Brumbies spokesman said it was too early to know if more serious charges would now be laid.

Fagan said the club had already received messages of support from around the country and internationally.

"The rugby community is amazing."

Mackay was admitted to hospital with a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull as well as a broken leg and multiple facial fractures after being struck by the vehicle.

The early-morning incident occurred when Mackay and a number of other Brumbies were leaving a nightclub after their Super 14 loss to the Sharks the previous evening.

- AAP