Richard Smith, the First XV coach of Bishops, is in a critical condition after “being stabbed by burglars at his home in Claremont”.

Smith was injured in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and was rushed to Vincent Pallotti hospital for an emergency operation.

Sport24 report that Smith suffered severe brain trauma:

His wife, Nina, and children, Laura and Sebastian, were left severely traumatised by the incident, but thankfully uninjured.

According to SA Rugby Mag, “there were four intruders, and Smith was stabbed in the head”.

Via Bishop Rugby’s Facebook page:

On behalf of the Bishops Rugby community, we ask you to please keep our 1st XV Coach Richard Smith and his family in your prayers.

Following a robbery at their home, Richard has suffered a severe head injury and is being treated in hospital.

Thoughts and prayers with the Smith family at this time.

And the pupils with their tribute:

Our condolences to the friends, family and pupils affected.

[sources:sport24&sarugbymag&facebook]