Teenage rugby star Ronan Costello has helped five other people.
The family of the 17-year-old Huddersfield Giants Academy player have confirmed some of his organs have been donated.
Centre Ronan was left in a critical condition following the incident in the match against Salford City Reds earlier this month.
He died three days later in Leeds General Infirmary, having been airlifted by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance from the pitch at the DRAM centre in Dalton where the game was taking place.
But now his proud family have confirmed he has been helping others.
Five people have already received donations.
A statement made via the Huddersfield Giants club said: “In accordance with Ronan’s wishes, his family made the heartfelt decision to donate some of his organs.
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“Ronan was a loving and caring lad who was dedicated to his family and friends.
“Ronan’s family are comforted that he has gone on to help five other people live their lives and survive, showing a final act of generosity.”
The news comes just three days after moving scenes as hundreds attended Ronan’s funeral at St Patrick’s RC Church in Huddersfield.
Players from the Giants joined many of Ronan’s schoolfriends and players from the amateur teams he represented, Lindley Swifts and Brighouse Rangers, at the service.
The church was packed and a large TV screen was erected outside to relay the service to many out in the church grounds.
The Giants’ temporary coach Andy Kelly was among several who paid tribute at the service to the Quarmby youngtser.
He said: “Rugby league was his life and what he gave his life for. He epitomised everything that we stand for as an academy.”
He added: “He would have been a successful professional. He was a successful professional. He was of Super League quality.”
