Tributes have been paid to a 31-year-old rugby player who died following a memorial match.
Emergency services were called to reports of a man in cardiac arrest.
South Wales Police said they were called to Cwmllynfell Rugby Football Club at around 3.30pm on Saturday (August 21), following reports of a 31-year-old man in cardiac arrest.
A spokeswoman said: “Officers responded to the incident along with the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. Next of kin have been informed and HM Coroner has been advised.”
The team were playing in a memorial patch against Crynant at Cwmllynfell’s Parc-y-Bryn ground.
The player has not been named officially, but messages of sympathy have been posted from numerous clubs, as well as by the Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby. The club’s Facebook page has been flooded with messages from players and clubs all around the UK.
The club has tweeted: “There are words and there are no words to describe today. We have lost a brother on the field and it is hurting so much…the whole club and community are shocked and saddened. Fly high brother… fly high.”
In a post on social media, the Cwmllynfell RFC captain said they had gone out as a team of mates for the game on Saturday afternoon but “came off the field losing a brother”.
His post read: “To play as part of a team is more than a sport its to be part of a family. When you get the honour to pull on your club Jersey with your mates it’s something that money can’t buy. We went out today as a team of mates and we came off the field loosing a brother.
“We lost one of the boys who epitomised what cwm was about. A fiercely loyal person who give it all on the field and in life.”
The club has thanked the first responders and members of the public who had rushed to the player’s aid and extended their heartfelt and deep condolences to the family.
Geraint John, Welsh Rugby Union community director, said: “So, so sad. Deepest sympathy and thoughts are with everyone at Cwmllynfell RFC, his family and friends. Sincere condolences from myself and everyone at WRU Community and Welsh Rugby Union.”
