Former Titan killed in holiday tragedy

Thirty-six-year-old Rob Walton died yesterday after being hit by a giant wave at a supervised beach in Labenne in the Landes region in Aquitaine in south-western France. He was on holiday with his wife and children.

Rob, the head coach of Rugby LIons, suffered whiplash and a broken spine.

The French authorities were notified of the incident by another swimmer. Emergency services tried to revive Rob but were unable to save him.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of a British National in France on 10 August. We are in contact with the family to offer support at this difficult time.”

Rob played for Rotherham during the 2005-06 season.