Tributes paid to amateur rugby player who died during memorial game
A rugby player collapsed and died during a match in South Wales yesterday.
Alex Evans, a flanker for for Cwmllynfell RFC, was treated by first responders and paramedics, including with a defibrillator on site, but could not be saved.
Just before, he felt unwell and left the field then collapsed, according to reports.
He had been playing against Crynant RFC during a game in memory of club stalwart Alun Vaughan, who died earlier in 2021.
Tributes have now been paid to the ‘cheeky chappy’, who ‘sums up what playing rugby is about’.
He leaves behind a partner and a young daughter.
His club wrote on Twitter: ‘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. RIP Alex. The whole club and community are shocked and saddened. Fly high brother… fly high.’
Club secretary Gareth Evans told The National that Alex was ‘a cheeky chappy’ who ‘always had this wonderful smile on his face’.
‘Whether you were at work, playing rugby or having a pint with him, he just had this infectious smile on his face all the time,’ he said.
Club captain Chris Balfe praised those who went 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 give it all on the field and in life.
‘To me Alex sums up what plying 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 much happier and better place.’
The Welsh Rugby Union Tweeted: ‘Our deepest condolences to Alex’s family, friends, teammates and all at the club.’
The club has set up a fundraising page for Mr Evans’s family.
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