Tributes for ex-NSW Waratahs rugby star Kelly Meafua following tragic death in France

The grieving family of former NSW Waratahs star Kelly Meafua have broken their silence in a heartbreaking tribute after the rugby union star’s tragic death in France, despite his teammates’ frantic efforts to save him.

The 31-year-old leapt from the Pont-Vieux bridge into the River Tarn in the south of the country on Saturday, Australian time, while celebrating his Montauban club’s 48-40 victory over Narbonne in their final home Pro D2 game of the season.

The former Samoan World Sevens flanker was with teammates when he jumped into the water from a height of more than 20 metres, according to French news reports.

Montauban prop forward Christopher Vaotoa jumped into the water in a desperate effort to save Meafua but had to be rescued by firefighters and was hospitalised with…