The funeral of former Welsh youth rugby international Kieron Gregory- who died of suspected meningococcal septicaemia - has taken place.

The 33-year-old was admitted to hospital last week with flu-like symptoms.

The former captain of Tredegar RFC left Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny after an examination but later died as he returned to hospital by ambulance.

Preliminary results of a post mortem examination on the former Wales under-21 rugby player found he died of meningitis.

His parents were unhappy that he was not admitted to Nevill Hall last week when he reported flu-like symptoms.

However, Gwent Healthcare Trust said tests carried out at the time showed no signs of meningoccocal septicaemia.

Range of tests

Mr Gregory's death followed that of 17-year-old David Short, from Trebanos, Swansea, who was found dead on New Year's Eve by his mother after going to bed with flu symptoms.

A statement from the hospital said that Mr Gregory was given a full range of tests for his symptoms.

A clinical decision was made not to admit him to the hospital.

Mr Gregory's condition at home deteriorated last Friday evening and he was brought back to hospital by ambulance but died en route.

The church at Tredegar was packed for the funeral service with around 300 people inside and 200 more listening on loudspeakers outside.

On top of the coffin was the cap Mr Gregory won as a Wales youth international. Many leading figures from the world of Welsh rugby were among the mourners.