Games cancelled after player dies

A Devon rugby club has cancelled this weekend's matches as a mark of respect to a young player who collapsed and died during a training session.

Oliver Marsden, 21, suffered a suspected heart attack at Totnes Rugby Club on Wednesday.

Attempts to resuscitate the University of Plymouth student failed and he was later pronounced dead.

The rugby club's secretary, Michelle Keen, said Mr Marsden was a highly-regarded member of the team.

'Shock waves'

"He was an absolutely lovely boy, a very popular member of the team who always wanted to do well," Ms Keen said.

"Nothing like this has happened at the club before and everyone is devastated and shocked."

Team-mate Mark Hooper said the death had sent "shock waves through the club".

He said: "All our thoughts are with the family right now."

Mr Marsden's parents live in Paignton. They said they were too devastated to talk about the death.

The club had been due to play a match against nearby Salcombe rugby club but Mr Hooper said: "We have cancelled all our matches as a mark of respect."

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Totnes Rugby Football Club
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