Rugby Player Dies at 22. His Brother, Also a Professional Player, Says He Is ‘Broken’ from the Loss

The late athlete Noah Johannssen was described as "someone who truly lit up every room he walked into” on a GoFundMe established for the family

NEED TO KNOW

• Noah Johannssen, a rugby player in Australia, has died at the age of 22
• The athlete’s team, the North Sydney Bears, confirmed the news in a statement on social media on Saturday, March 28
• Noah’s older brother, who is also a professional rugby player, posted a tribute to his late sibling, sharing that he is “broken” by the loss

Noah Johannssen, a rugby player from Australia, has died at 22 years old.

Noah’s team, the North Sydney Bears, confirmed the news in a statement on social media on Saturday, March 28.

“The North Sydney Bears are deeply saddened by the recent passing of young Noah Johannssen,” the post began.

“Noah had been with our NSW Cup team for just five months but quickly made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him. His loss is felt deeply across our playing group, staff and wider Bears community,” the team continued.

“Noah was a young man of great character. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the team's CEO, Gareth Holmes, said in a statement, per the Instagram post.

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Noah’s cause of death has not been shared publicly at this time.

Noah’s older brother, Tim Johannssen, who is also a professional rugby player, posted a tribute to Noah on Instagram on Saturday, sharing that he is “broken” from the loss.

“My F–KEN BROTHER MY FOEVER LOVE, I’ll always be attached to you bro and I’ll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro, the man you made me be and everything I have today is because you were there for me. So f–ken broken but I know I’ll see you again on the other side and you’ll always be with me in spirit, till next time my little buddy ❤️🙏🏾,” Tim, 24, wrote in the caption of the post, which featured a carousel of photos of Noah with friends and loved ones

Otis Brooks, a friend of the family, has established a GoFundMe to help the Johannssen family cover funeral expenses “and any additional costs the family may face” in the wake of Noah’s death.

“Noah was an amazing brother, son, uncle and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into,” Otis wrote on the fundraising page.

“He was known for his kindness, his energy, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. He was deeply loved by his family and everyone who knew him, and his presence will be missed more than words can describe,” he continued.

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“All funds will go directly toward giving Noah a proper farewell and supporting his loved ones as they navigate this incredibly tough period,” Otis added.

Noah previously played for the Western Suburb Magpies before joining the Bears in late 2025.

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