Otamatea to play this weekend

Jordan Kemp died of a suspected brain bleed in Auckland Hospital after going down in a premier reserve rugby match between his Otamatea club and Old Boys Marist on Saturday at Kensington Park.

The death of clubmate Jordan Kemp will serve as motivation for the Otamatea Hawks this weekend, after the club decided they will play their final club rugby fixture this weekend.

During a meeting last night in Kaiwaka, which a specialized grief counsellor attended, the club decided they would play on to respect Kemp's love for the game.

Northland Rugby Union (NRU) chief executive Jeremy Parkinson said the meeting was "emotional and raw" between NRU officials and members of the Otamatea club community

"They've decided they will play to honour Jordan," Parkinson said. "Rugby was his passion."

Otamatea premier coach, and former All Black, Dean Kenny has called for an urgent forum to address the dangers of brain injuries in the sport.

Kemp, 17, had returned to rugby two months ago from a mandatory stand-down period after being concussed earlier in the year.

"There has to be a forum - an open communication between the New Zealand Rugby Union, GPs, concussion experts, and ACC - so we've done everything possible to not get another tragedy like this," said Kenny, who played three tests for the All Blacks in 1986.

He suggested players returning from stand-down periods should have brain scans to check for scarring or micro-bleeding. "We need to address it ASAP and it all comes down to money. What is the price of life?"

On Saturday, Kemp, the Otamatea Hawks' hooker, chose not to wear the headgear that he initially wore when he returned.

Last night New Zealand Rugby medical director Dr Ian Murphy said headgear might not have saved him.

"They reduce the number of cuts to the head but do not necessarily reduce the incidence of concussion."

Last night, the NZRU said player safety and concussion were constantly under review.

Northland Rugby Union introduced the "blue card" system this season for players to stand down after being concussed. Kemp - who had played First XV for Auckland Grammar and lived in Maungaturoto - was the first player to be given a card. He had to be cleared by a GP before being deemed fit to return to the field.

Meanwhile, Kemp's triplet sisters Crishla and Michaela, and parents Tania Cook and Aaron Kemp, are pulling together. "I'm staying strong for you bro because I know you would stay strong for me," Crishla posted on Facebook.