Falcons’ Otuvaka dies

A FORMER top rugby union player who bravely battled a brain tumour died yesterday.

Soa Otuvaka, who played for Newcastle Falcons, died at a hospice following a long fight against the illness.

His death comes just days before England World Cup winning stars Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson were due to be reunited on the pitch for a benefit game for the former player.

The 25-year-old was diagnosed with the tumour last year, just weeks after his wife Jenny gave birth.