A "local rugby legend" who turned 90 during lockdown has died after contracting coronavirus.
Bristol Bears has paid a heartfelt tribute to former player Eric Hopton, who died on May 8 after a "seven-day battle with COVID-19".
He was hoping to spend belated birthday celebrations with his family after the lockdown ended, but now they will not get the chance to mark the milestone with him.
In an obituary written by the rugby club's historian Mark Hoskins, Mr Hopton was described as "one of a dwindling group who could claim to have played for the club in the 1940s".
He had been living in a care home in his final years, and died a few weeks after his birthday on April 4.
The Bears tribute continued: "His family had hoped to celebrate his recent 90th birthday at a later date, but sadly this was not to be.
"All at Bristol Bears send their sincere sympathy to Eric’s family at this desperately sad time."
Former Bristol Cathedral School pupil Mr Hopton made his debut for the first team at the age of 17, Mr Hoskins said, and "was the last surviving player from Bristol’s first post-war victory over Cardiff".
He was selected for his first England trial at the age of 19, and was also a regular player for Somerset in the County Championship.
After his time in Bristol he moved to Bath and made his debut on Boxing Day 1952, and played a total of 125 games from then until 1958.
Stephen Parsons, chairman of the Cathedral Schools Trust in Bristol, tweeted his condolences.
He described Mr Hopton as a "local rugby legend" and said he was also a former Bristol Cathedral chorister, and that he was "saddened" to hear of his death.
The Bears obituary recalled how Mr Hopton became president of the Cathedralians Society in 1977, which is an association of the former pupils of Bristol Cathedral School .
He was also chairman of the Cathedralians council for several years.
Mr Hoskins's tribute continued: "He enjoyed keeping in touch with his playing contemporaries and regularly attended Bristol Rugby Former Players reunions."
