Friends pay tribute to deceased teenage rugby player in traditional Maori fashion

The team-mates of Torran Thomas have paid tribute to their fallen comrade at his funeral this week in traditional Maori style, performing the Haka in his memory. 

Torran who was only 15 years-old collapsed whilst training at West Coast Pirates junior academy last week and died soon after.

At his funeral this week, friends and team-mates gave his coffin a guard of honour whilst performing a traditional Maori Haka as a mark of respect for their friend.

Post by 9 News Perth.

The talented young player was due to fly with his team to Sydney to play a series of rugby matches as part of a tour.

Chief Executive of the Western Australia Rugby League, John Sackson, said that the tour would be going ahead as a tribute to the young player.

"Everyone feels they want to proceed with the tour in memory of Torran, they want to do it for him."

"It's just a very tragic situation his parents are just devastated,"

Tributes have been paid on social media for Torran by friends and members of the rugby community in Australia.

Young rugby player Torran Thomas farewelled with a Haka @7newsperth at 6. pic.twitter.com/h9i68krzyC

— Geofrey Parry (@geofparry7) January 19, 2015

Prayers are with friends & family of young WA League player Torran Thomas who passed recently. The whole RL community is thinking of you 🙏

— Beau Ryan (@therealbeauryan) January 13, 2015

A beautiful tribute: both teams observe a moment's silence in honour of WA Pirate Torran Thomas. RIP. #torranstour pic.twitter.com/I6PCXxlumX

— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) January 18, 2015

FT here at Redfern Oval - 22-16 to the Pirates Academy. Great game and a fitting tribute to Torran Thomas. Well done. #torranstour

— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) January 18, 2015

HT - 9 News Perth