Kato Ottio: Widnes Vikings centre dies aged 23 after suffering sudden health issue in training

Widnes signed the Papua New Guinea centre from Australian NRL side Canberra Raiders in December

Kato Ottio, standing, played for Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup (Getty)

Kato Ottio, the 23-year-old Papua New Guinea international who recently signed for Widnes Vikings, has died after suffering “a sudden health issue” during a training session.

Widnes signed the Papua New Guinea centre from Australian NRL side Canberra Raiders in December, and he was due to join up with his new team-mates next week ahead of the new season. Kato was part of the side which lost to England in November’s World Cup quarter-finals.

A statement by James Rule, the Vikings CEO, read: “We are devastated to learn that Kato Ottio has passed away this afternoon. Kato was an incredibly talented player, with a bright future ahead of him in Rugby League. This news is all the more tragic, because Kato was due to travel to the UK this week to fulfil his dream of playing first-grade Rugby League.

“Having only learned this morning that Kato had developed a sudden health issue whilst training yesterday, we are in absolute shock to now receive this tragic news. Widnes Vikings will of course be looking to celebrate Kato’s life and pay our sincere respects to someone who we believe would have become a hero at our club.”

Denis Betts, Head Coach of Widnes Vikings, added: “To receive this tragic news is heartbreaking. All of us saw at the World Cup the incredible gifts that Kato had, and his potential to forge a great career in rugby league. Moreover, in all of our interactions with him, we found Kato to be a person of great character, who was excited to be following his dreams.

“On behalf of the coaching team, staff and players at Widnes Vikings, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Kato’s loved ones.”