It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of our South African brothers, Aphiwe Mahlati, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Saturday evening.

For those who do not know Aphwie, he was on the first South Africa exchange with Dale Koopman & Malcolm Theo and set the standards for the others to follow in how to embrace his 6 months in the UK getting involved in everything Burton Rugby had to offer

Aphwie played for Burton for one season in 2016-2017, making 17 appearances playing at prop, with 11 starts.

He was a loveable and gentle giant who always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Burton Rugby Football Club and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family in South Africa.

The club will mark his passing on Saturday with a minutes silence prior to the final home league game of the season against Paviors RFC.