Maesteg rugby player dies after Turkish holiday bar punch, inquest told

A rugby player was punched in the head by a security guard while on holiday in Turkey and died after he returned home, an inquest has heard.

Scot James, from Maesteg, Bridgend county, had been in hospital since he suffered head and brain injuries in an alleged bar assault on 5 July.

He fell and hit his head during a “verbal exchange”, Pontypridd Coroner’s Court was told on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old was repatriated to the UK and died on 26 July at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

A provisional cause of death was given as blunt head injury.

James’ family described him as a “loving father, son, grandson and partner” in tributes following his death.

Maesteg Celtic RFC said he was an “outstanding player and a great character”.

Coroner Rachel Knight said a full inquest was necessary as there was reason to suspect the death may have been unnatural.

She said that as police in Turkey would potentially be investigating James’ death, the next inquest hearing would be scheduled for later this year.

Knight said it may be necessary to pause inquest proceedings pending the outcome of any criminal investigation and confirmed the court would liaise with Turkish authorities.

Police in Turkey are understood to be investigating the death, with assistance from the Foreign Office.

In a statement, James’ family said he “had a warm heart, a great sense of humour, and a natural ability to bring people together”.

“We are heartbroken by his loss,” they said.

“No words can truly express the pain we are experiencing or the void his passing has left in our lives.”

Maesteg Celtic RFC said: “Everyone at the club is devastated by this news and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”