The rugby community is in mourning following the death of Joey Henry, a promising 19-year-old who was part of the Brumbies’ development setup.
Henry died in a quad bike accident on his family’s rural property near Cobar in New South Wales.
He was a graduate of Marist College Canberra, where he captained his school’s First XV to a premiership in 2023.
After school, he played first grade for the Canberra Royals, contributing to their 2024 John I Dent Cup victory, and had been part of the Brumbies Academy.
The news has left clubs, coaches, classmates and teammates shaken.
Royals Rugby Club, Marist College and local figures have issued heartfelt tributes to his leadership, character and future potential.
At a recent U19 Super Rugby Final, the Brumbies wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence in his honor.
The Royals are working with mental health services (Menslink) to provide support for players, staff and the community as they process their grief.
Henry’s loss is felt deeply not only for what he had achieved, but for what was still ahead. The rugby world, particularly in Canberra, has rallied in sorrow — and resolve to remember him.