Rugby player, 36, dies suddenly on pitch as club & family pay tribute to ‘people’s captain’ who had a ‘heart of gold’
TRIBUTES are pouring in for a much-loved rugby player with a “heart of gold” who died while playing a friendly match.
Lee Southall, 36, started coughing then collapsed during a game of tag rugby at Hollybush RFC in Caerphilly, Wales on Tuesday.
The dad, who has been dubbed a “people’s captain”, tragically could not be saved.
Tributes are now pouring in for Lee, with piles of flowers left under the goalposts for him.
Lee had started coughing during a match on Tuesday and players rushed to get him water before he dropped to the ground.
His teammates started to perform CPR, as paramedics rushed to the club.
The dad was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Flowers, jerseys and tributes have now been placed on the pitch for him.
One note read: “Well Southy, I never in a million years thought I’d be writing this. You’re going to be missed so much by our rugby family. Your presence filled the room like no other.”
WalesOnline reported Jason Ingram, who played alongside Lee at Hollybush, said: “Lee had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He had a massive presence.
“Whenever he came in the atmosphere would lift. He loved the craic afterwards too and would love a sing-song and would come in and sort of control a room really. He’d entertain everyone.
“There’d never be a dull moment with Lee. For the community of Hollybush it’s devastating. He’ll be missed hugely by the whole rugby community.”
Mark Hobbs added: “He’d tackle anyone on the pitch. Any time were were in the s*** you’d look at Lee and he’d be the guy to smash them. And yet at the same time an absolute gentle giant. He was my brother. I’ve known him for 20 years.
“It’s always been a brilliant club and the spirit of the club has always attracted the players across different generations. It’s a small village but it’s got a big pull.
I can’t put it into words how much he’ll be missed.
“We’ve got boys playing from Blackwood, Oakdale, Abertillery, and that’s because of the team ethos here and because of people like Lee.”
Club captain Tom Hancock said Lee was a “lovely character” who would “light up a room and light up a rugby field”.
Tom added: “I can’t put it into words how much he’ll be missed.”
Gwent Police said: “We received a report of a medical emergency at the Hollybush Recreational Ground, near Blackwood, at around 8.20pm on Tuesday, June 11.
“Officers attended along with paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service who declared a 36-year-old man dead at the scene.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the coroner.”
