Paralysed beachgoer was sportsman

Mr Fletcher jumped into waters at St Mary's harbour

A 25-year-old man who was paralysed in an accident on a beach was a talented rugby player, it has emerged.

Darren Fletcher, from Dinnington, near Sheffield, was injured when he jumped into the sea in the Scilly Isles.

It was initially believed he had been "tombstoning", but police said it was now thought he had jumped into shallow waters from the beach.

Mr Fletcher had played rugby union for Wakefield Rugby Football Club and, more recently, for Hull Ionians.

He was airlifted to Treliske hospital and later taken to Derriford after jumping into waters at Hughtown on the main island of St Mary's on Friday.

Doctors have concluded he will never walk again.

Karl Hornsey, rugby secretary for Hull Ionians, said: "It's a tragic situation.

"It's just a complete shock really. He's a genuinely nice guy, always having a laugh and a joke, the kind of person you want to have around."

Mr Hornsey said the 25-year-old was a dedicated player who had suffered from a series of knee injuries in recent years, but still trained with the club.

He said: "He had played at a national level at a pretty decent standard about three or four years ago. He wa a pretty talented player."