A veteran rugby player collapsed and died while playing the game he loved.

Colleagues rushed to help former York Rugby Union Football Club player Carl Neary when he collapsed shortly after the start of the game on Saturday.

Mr Neary, 45, decribed as a gentle giant by team-mates, was rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. He died during the game between York Railway Institute Veterans and Sandal, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Martyn Harrison, chairman of York RUFC, described Mr Neary as "one of the nicest men you could ever meet".

As captain of York, he played a key role in matches throughout Yorkshire, Tees-side and Durham. After retiring, he joined York RI, where he played socially and made some first-team appearances.