French rugby is in mourning after the tragic death of a 15-year-old player during a match in Corsica. Nicolas Haddad passed away in hospital in Bastia after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch. The young star had been playing for Saint-Maximin-Brignoles-Val d’Issole (RSMXV) against Bastia XV on March 15 when he was struck on the head. The match was stopped after 30 minutes when Haddad collapsed. He was attended to by a nurse and a firefighter, who had been watching the match, before being taken to hospital. Sadly, it has now been confirmed that the young player has passed away, prompting an outpouring of emotion. Haddad was dual registered with RSMXV and French rugby giants Toulon, who sent officials to Corsica to support his family and have now released a statement. "It is with infinite sadness that we inform you of the death of Nicolas Haddad, a child of the RSMXV from the M6 category and who played as cadets in the agreement of our three clubs and at the RCT,” they said. "All our prayers go to the family who wishes to preserve their intimacy. Our clubs thank the leaders of Bastia XV, the South Rugby League, the Corsican Rugby League and the FFR for supporting parents and the team." Toulon will pay tribute to Haddad at their Top 14 game against USA Perpignan on Saturday, with his photo set to be displayed on the big screens around the ground, while all matches on the French island this weekend will be preceded by a minute's silence in his memory. "It’s an absolute tragedy. Rugby is in mourning. Nicolas Haddad has left us,” Toulon co-president Patrice Blachere said. "All our thoughts go to his wonderful family and all those who supported them." Blachere explained that Haddad had joined Toulon aged just six and had a promising career ahead of him in the sport. “When we suggested he join us in the RCT Passion project, he was overjoyed,” he said. “It was a source of pride for him and his parents. He loved rugby, and it is terrible to lose such a passionate young athlete.” The French Rugby Federation has set up a psychological support unit for Haddad’s teammates and staff who have been affected by the tragic incident. Clermont posted on social media: “The entire club offers its sincere condolences to Nicolas's family and to the RCT. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his teammates, and the Var coaches during this terrible ordeal.”