A DAD collapsed and died after his town's rugby match leaving the fans in shock.

       Tributes were paid today to the "gentle giant" Dave Hyde, 29, in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, after he collapsed in the changing rooms following a match on Saturday.

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       The 29-year-old dad collapsed after a match on Saturday

       While his teammates rushed to help him, Dave - married to Katherine and dad to a young son, Tore - was flown by air ambulance to hospital but could not be saved.

       Henley lost the game 25-19 in front of a crowd of 300 - it was only when the players trooped off the pitch at the final whistle to have a shower that Dave collapsed.

       Henley chairman Chris Nixon announced on Sunday "It is with immense sadness that I have to inform you of the tragic loss of Dave Hyde, who collapsed after our game with Old Albanian yesterday.

       "He passed away late last night in hospital.

       "Our thoughts go out to his wife Katherine, his young son, close family and all his friends within our club.

       "Dave was a gentle giant, strong family man, great friend to many and a much loved and highly respected member of our club. He will be so greatly missed."

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       His former Witney RFC also paid tribute to a "wonderful person."

       "Dave was many things to many people, but to us he will be remembered as a wonderful person, a loving family man, an incredibly talented athlete and a person who just made you smile when you were in his company"

       Old Albanian said that "as part of the rugby family, if we can offer any support we will be delighted to do so".

       Dave was a gentle giant, strong family man, great friend to many

       It is the club's second player to suffer the tragic fate in the past four years.

       Back in 2018 another Henley Hawks player, dad-of-two Simon Priestley, 46, collapsed and died in front of his wife Julie and shocked team mates in a match against High Wycombe, Bucks.

       It comes after a 17-year-old footballer died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a FA youth cup match.

       Dylan Rich, collapsed while his team West Bridgford Colts took on Boston United last week.

       It is understood that he suffered a second cardiac arrest while being rushed to hospital, and his club confirmed that he died on Sunday.

       His club said they were "devastated and heartbroken" and paid tribute to the "wonderful" teenager, who attended The West Bridgford School.

       17-year-old Dylan died after a cardiac arrest

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