Trinidad and Tobago rugby is in shock at the news of the sudden death of talented centre Kendall Mootoo.
21 year old Mootoo a former St Mary's College student played for Caribs rugby football club and represented T&T at under 19,development and national senior men's 7s and 15 a side rugby.
Earlier this year Mootoo made his senior 15s debut against Barbados and Guyana. He was described by Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) chairman of the selectors and Men's senior team manager Curtis Nero, as a disciplined, courageous and dedicated young man who always represented his country with pride and dignity.
"Kendall had a very bright future. He was one of the players who would have played a significant part in our rugby plans in the lead up to the Rio de Janiero Olympics 2016. I extend deepest condolences to his parents, sisters, friends and teammates. Today is a very sad day" said Nero.
Mootoo's national and club teammates used Facebook to post messages and console each other as the well liked and pleasant young man and rugby talent was fondly remembered.
Some of his teammates who would have played with him at the under 19 team to national senior team level were distraught at the news.
Nero declined to comment on the specifics of Mootoo's death out of respect for the bereaved family.
"Kendall was always respectful and willing to go the extra mile. He never gave less than 100 percent. He could be depended on and trusted with the responsibility of wearing the national colours. Words cannot express the sense of loss and sadness."
Mootoo represented T&T at North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Caribbean under 19 rugby championships between 2006 and 2009.
In May this year he was one of thirteen uncapped young rugby players selected for the 2011 Caribbean senior men's 15 a side rugby championship.
In July 2010 he made his national men's senior team rugby sevens debut when Trinidad and Tobago participated in the historic Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games at the National stadium Georgetown, Guyana.
Wayne Kelly captain of the national team at the CAC Games said he was “gutted" at hearing the news.
"Kendall was never overawed at making the step up from the under 19 rugby to senior level. He worked hard and did not complain. He was always prepared to work hard on and off the field of play for the benefit of the team and his teammates, In practice and with fund raising efforts. This is a young man who had such a bright future...."
Colin Peters, the TTRFU secretary who managed the T&T under 19 national rugby team, expressed his dismay at the news of the untimely passing of a decent human being and a young man who had contributed positively to local rugby.
"Kendall was a joy to have on the team. He was very respectful, disciplined and enjoyed his rugby and teammates. He took great pride in playing for his country. He was a credit to his family, club and country. "
-Brian Lewis