Vale - Adrian Klasen Heading Detail
NSW Country Rugby is mourning the loss of Tamworth man Adrian Klasen, who was killed in an accident on Thursday.
The 38-year-old had been working on irrigation equipment near the Peel River. His father, who had been working alongside him, walked away to inspect another part of the equipment and on his return Adrian was missing.
Emergency services were called to the property about 8.30am. After an extensive search involving police, the State Emergency Service and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Adrian’s body was found 200m downstream just after noon.
Tributes have flowed for the retired Tamworth Magpies & NSW Country Representative rugby player and all-round “top bloke”.
Former Tamworth coach and family friend Joe Goldsworthy said Adrian’s integrity and decency had made him a quality person.
“It was a privilege to coach him,” he said. “He was always a reliable and dependable player, and very skillful.”
Adrian was part of the Tamworth Rugby Club’s premiership-winning sides in 1993, 1994 and 1996.
Mr Goldsworthy said Adrian always had a sense of humour and was very much a family man.
“They’re a fantastic family; very decent, hardworking people,” he said.
“Whether they play football or work, they do it to the best of their ability.”
Tamworth Rugby Club president and former teammate Campbell McIntosh said Adrian was a very capable footballer and was considered a real gentleman.
He had earned the respect of opposing clubs and representative teams for his sportsmanship and ability.
“He was a very tough footballer, but very respectable,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Adrian was a great ambassador for the sport and our club, and always willing to help.”
Adrian was a talented forward, playing in Central North and NSW Country representative sides in 1996 & 1997.
“He was certainly the cornerstone of the front row, and a fantastic footballer,” Mr McIntosh said.
Adrian’s brothers Tony, Bernie, Mick and Matthew also played rugby and made a great contribution to the Magpies.
“It wasn’t a coincidence that when they were playing, we were winning premierships,” Mr McIntosh said.
One of 10 children, Adrian’s passions were his family, the farm, rugby and golf.
“His number one passion was the farm and working hard, as all the Klasens do out there. They’re an outstanding family,” close friend and fellow rugby player Bernie Whale said.
The 38-year-old had been working on irrigation equipment near the Peel River. His father, who had been working alongside him, walked away to inspect another part of the equipment and on his return Adrian was missing. Emergency services were called to the property about 8.30am. After an extensive search involving police, the State Emergency Service and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Adrian’s body was found 200m downstream just after noon.
Tributes have flowed for the retired Tamworth Magpies & NSW Country Representative rugby player and all-round “top bloke”.
Former Tamworth coach and family friend Joe Goldsworthy said Adrian’s integrity and decency had made him a quality person.
“It was a privilege to coach him,” he said. “He was always a reliable and dependable player, and very skillful.”
Adrian was part of the Tamworth Rugby Club’s premiership-winning sides in 1993, 1994 and 1996.
Mr Goldsworthy said Adrian always had a sense of humour and was very much a family man.
“They’re a fantastic family; very decent, hardworking people,” he said.
“Whether they play football or work, they do it to the best of their ability.”
Tamworth Rugby Club president and former teammate Campbell McIntosh said Adrian was a very capable footballer and was considered a real gentleman.
He had earned the respect of opposing clubs and representative teams for his sportsmanship and ability.
“He was a very tough footballer, but very respectable,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Adrian was a great ambassador for the sport and our club, and always willing to help.”
Adrian was a talented forward, playing in Central North and NSW Country representative sides in 1996 & 1997.
“He was certainly the cornerstone of the front row, and a fantastic footballer,” Mr McIntosh said.
Adrian’s brothers Tony, Bernie, Mick and Matthew also played rugby and made a great contribution to the Magpies.
“It wasn’t a coincidence that when they were playing, we were winning premierships,” Mr McIntosh said.
One of 10 children, Adrian’s passions were his family, the farm, rugby and golf.
“His number one passion was the farm and working hard, as all the Klasens do out there. They’re an outstanding family,” close friend and fellow rugby player Bernie Whale said.