Tributes paid to Cwmllynfell rugby player after sudden death
Tributes have been paid to a 31-year-old rugby player who died after a match in Cwmllynfell on Saturday.
Father-of-one Alex Evans was playing for Cwmllynfell RFC at their home ground in the Neath Port Talbot area.
South Wales Police said they were called to the Parc y Bryn ground at around 3.30pm on Saturday, following reports of a man in cardiac arrest.
The flanker was treated by first responders and the Welsh Ambulance Services but died.
In a social media post, the club said: "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."
Captain Chris Balfe praised those who tried to help Mr Evans and offered condolences to his family.
Writing on Facebook, he said: "To play as part of a team is more than a sport, it's 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 losing a brother.
"We lost one of the boys who epitomised what Cwm was about. A fiercely loyal person who gave it all on the field and in life.
"To me Alex sums up what playing rugby is about - a man who played for the badge and his mates, week in week out.
"I think If we could all live our lives with the joy and positivity that Alex lived his, this world would be a much happier and better place."
South Wales Police said there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
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."
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called on Saturday 21 August at approximately 3pm to reports of a person needing urgent medical attention at Cwmllynfell RFC, Cwmllynfell.
"We responded with one rapid response vehicle, two emergency ambulances and one vehicle from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service."
Messages of condolence have been sent by rugby clubs across Wales, as well as the Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby.
The Welsh Rugby Union offered their "deepest condolences" to his family, friends and teammates.
A fundraising page has been set up by Cwmllynfell RFC to raise money for the player's family. Nearly £10,000 has been donated within the first 24 hours of its creation.