Tributes flood in following Henley Hawks tragedy

Tributes to Henley Hawks second row Dave Hyde are flooding in following his tragic death on Saturday evening.

The lock was taken to hospital by air ambulance having collapsed in the changing room following the Oxfordshire club's opening day National Two South defeat against Old Albanian.

A statement issued by Henley chairman Chris Nixon said: "Dave was a gentle giant, strong family man, great friend to many and a much loved and highly-respected member of our club.

"Our thoughts go out to his wife Katherine, his young son, close family and all his friends within our club.

"He will be so greatly missed."

A GoFundMe page to help support his wife, Katherine and son, Tore has been set up as they look to re-build their lives following this tragic event.

Tributes included a Twitter post from the sport's governing body in England.

Saturday's opponents Old Albanian added that as part of the rugby family "if we can offer any support we will be delighted to do so."

Hyde began his career with Oxfordshire junior club Witney who paid a fulsome tribute.

And former England international Duncan Bell added his voice.

As did England's fourth most capped women's international.

Clubs across the length and breadth of England have taken to Twitter to voice their support for Henley plus the second row's friends and family. Typical of these was the post from former Wales forward Phil Davies.