Memorial service for rugby player

Watene's death stunned rugby league

A public memorial service is to be held to celebrate the life of Wakefield Wildcats forward Adam Watene.

The father-of-two died after collapsing during training on 13 October. The Wildcats have set up The Adam Watene Fund in order to assist his family.

People can pay their tributes to him at a service at Wakefield Cathedral at 1900 BST on Thursday.

Mr Watene, 31, joined the Wildcats in 2006 and was consort to the Deputy Mayor of Wakefield.

The Mayor of Wakefield, Jacqui Williams, said: "This is an opportunity for people from across the district to pay their respects to this wonderful person and say their goodbyes.

"I cannot speak highly enough of Adam and the wonderful way in which he conducted himself in the role of Deputy Mayor's Consort.

"He will be sadly missed by thousands of people across Wakefield and, indeed, the world including myself, my consort and of course the Deputy Mayor."