Tributes are pouring in across the sporting world and social media for rugby player Adam Walker, who passed away aged just 31.
Walker, a Scottish international and Salford Red Devils player since 2019, had played as a professional in rugby league for more than a decade and often shared the field with his twin brother Johnathan.
Following the sad news earlier today, we offer our condolences to the family of Adam Walker on behalf of everyone at Salford Red Devils. pic.twitter.com/qii5644Vh4
The Greater Manchester club was his last and despite struggles with off-field issues limiting his playing time, he spent three years at the AJ Bell Stadium.
His former club Hull Kingston Rovers, where he also spent three years and made most of his appearances (108) were equally saddened to hear the news.
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Hull KR are saddened to learn of Adam Walker's passing.
Walker also played for St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, as well as Barrow Raiders and Swinton Lions on loan — all of which issued messages of love and support to his friends and family, as did the rest of national, union and league rugby.
The prop forward started his career at Huddersfield Giants, where he came through the youth set-up and made his senior appearances. Those in the comments remembered his academy days fondly.
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Huddersfield Giants are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our former player, Adam Walker.
Adam came through the club's academy and played for the first team from 2010 to 2012.
The thoughts of all at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vqciVPg8S6
Despite being born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, both Adam and his brother declared for Scotland‘s national team, playing in the 2013 World Cup, as well as the 2014 and ’15 European Cup competitions.
He amassed 14 caps for the national side, with Scotland’s Rugby League also paying tribute.
Scotland Rugby League are saddened to learn of Adam Walker's passing.
— Scotland Rugby League 🏴 (@scotlandrl) October 4, 2022
Walker was known to have battled with depression and other mental health issues off the field, struggles which had hampered his career over recent years. He also had trouble with the law despite being dismissed of two charges back in 2016.
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Just over a year later, he went on to be banned for 20 months after having tested positive for cocaine after a game for Trinity in against the Widnes Vikings. His death has seen those trying to draw attention to male mental health in sport, especially, urging others to come forward and talk to someone.
Such sad news about Adam Walker. 31 years of age is nothing. It was no secret he battled demons, fought depression etc. Such a shock. Thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.
Former Salford teammate Jackson Hastings described him on Twitter as a “champion team-mate and someone who was misunderstood”.
His cause of death is still yet to be announced.
Rest in peace.
Featured Image — Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
6th October 2022 
