NORTH-EAST rugby was rocked at the weekend by news of the death of former West Hartlepool captain and Darlington Mowden Park player-coach Dave Mitchell, aged 33.

Hopes were high that he had beaten both cancer and leukaemia, but the leukaemia returned and Mowden's Director of Rugby John Parkinson said: "It's a tragic loss.

"Dave was always an inspiration as a player and coach, then throughout his illness.

"He came to us with no coaching experience but was always hugely respected by all the players."

While at Richmond School the 6ft 4in Mitchell played in the second row for England Schoolboys then joined West Hartlepool, where he flourished as a back row man at the highest level and was the club's Player of the Year ten years ago.

He became West captain, only to have his reign cut short by injury and along with clubmates Kevan Oliphant and Anthony Elwine he took on a player-coach role at Mowden six years ago.

While gaining three successive promotions, they also claimed the scalp of Rosslyn Park in a memorable national cup tie before losing at Harlequins in the last 16.

Mitchell, who spurned professional rugby to pursue a management career with Cummins Engines in Darlington, leaves a widow, Svenya, and four-year-old daughter, Seren.