Arturas Rudys: Girlfriend of rugby player who died on pitch at Wisbech launches GoFundMe page

The girlfriend of a young father who died on the rugby pitch has launched a GoFundMe page to help support their child.

Arturas Rudys, 27, died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a tackle during the Eastern Counties First Division game against Diss on Saturday afternoon.

In a post on a GoFundMe page his girlfriend Jolita revealed they have a two-year-old child together.

"We have been together four years, also we have a little child... He is only two years old," the page says.

"My partner just passed away in a rugby competition in Wisbech.

"It's been very quick and like in a dream… It's a very, very hard time for us right now.

"I can't give up, I have to live and show the right path to our child. I have never asked for money yet, but I want to reach out to you and ask for help…. Thank you all!"

The GoFundMe has already attracted thousands of pounds from well-wishers.

Wisbech Rugby club has cancelled all sessions as a mark of respect.

A shirt pinned to a tree at the club bears the tribute: "Arturas our team mate, our brother, our 14 forever."

David Dobson, secretary at Wisbech Rugby Club, said the club were supporting the player's family and working with the RFU but could not yet officially name the dead player or release their own tribute.

He said: "The club is deeply saddened by the events of [Saturday].

"We are grateful for the support of the local community and the wider rugby community and also for the expertise of the emergency services who came to help."

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