Wisbech Rugby Club pays tribute to ‘hugely valued and respected member’

Wisbech Rugby Club has offered its ‘heartfelt sympathies and support’ to the family of one of its players who tragically died on the field of play yesterday.

Arturas Rudys, 27, died after being in collision with another player during the Eastern Counties League game between Wisbech and Diss.

A fundraising page set up to help his girlfriend and young son has already received more than 200 donations and reached £6,145.

A club statement issued today reads: “It is with great sadness that the club announces the death of Arturas Rudys during a match played on Saturday, October 14.

“Arturas, aged 27, was a hugely valued and respected member of our club who began his time at Wisbech RFC in 2013.

“Wisbech RFC thanks everyone who helped Arturas in his immediate moments of need yesterday including club First Aiders, teammates and Diss RFC. The club also wishes to thank the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene.

“As a club we are in touch with Arturas’ family to offer our heartfelt sympathies and support. In whatever you are doing today, please pause for a moment to think of Arturas, his family, loved ones and friends, both in the UK and in his native Lithuania.”