A 20-year-old rugby league player has been found dead in his hotel room in France, his club said.
Archie Bruce made his debut for Championship side Batley Bulldogs against Toulouse on Saturday night, but his body was discovered this morning.
The scrum half only recently joined the Bulldogs, who play in the league's second tier, after leaving his amateur club, Dewsbury Moor.
The Batley Bulldogs have delayed their return to West Yorkshire after the tragedy.
Club chairman, Kevin Nicholas, said in a statement: "Batley Bulldogs are greatly saddened to announce the passing of their player Archie Bruce who was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning having made his debut against Toulouse the previous evening.
"Archie's immediate family have been informed.
"Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while inquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.
"The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times."
Archie made his debut for the Bulldogs off the replacement bench in a 46-0 defeat to Toulouse in the south of France.
His former team, Dewsbury Moor, tweeted: "We are devastated to announce the passing of our player Archie Bruce (20).
"Archie made his debut for Batley yesterday in Toulouse and was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to Archie's family, team mates and friends. RIP."
Rugby stars have also paid tribute to the late rugby player, including St Helens' Alex Walmsey and Keith Senior.
Alex said: "Incredibly sad news to wake up to, my condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates at both Batley and Dewsbury Moor. RIP Archie."
The former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain professional tweeted a reply to the post by the Bulldogs' official Twitter account: "Never nice to hear news like this especially at such a young age. Condolences to all his family and friends."
A number of other tributes to the young player were posted on social media today.
