Tributes have been paid to a popular amateur rugby player who died after collapsing during a match on Saturday.
Max Blakeley, 32, was playing for the Bradford-based club Birkenshaw Bluedogs in a match at Heworth near York when he became unwell.
He came off the field at half-time before collapsing at the side of the pitch. The Rugby League Benevolent Fund said paramedics were called and were unable to revive him.
Ralph Rimmer, the Rugby Football League’s chief executive, said: “We are all incredibly saddened by news of the passing of Birkenshaw Rugby League club’s Max Blakeley.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Max’s family and friends at this terrible time. The Rugby League Benevolent Fund has been in contact and is already providing support.”
In a statement released by Cleckheaton RUFC, the club said Blakeley had been playing rugby league with Birkenshaw during the summer.
The club added: “Max was a club stalwart and we are devastated. Sleep tight Max you will be sorely missed.”
Dozens of tributes have been paid to the player on social media, including from Lizzie Jones, whose husband, Danny, died after collapsing during a match in May 2015.
She posted on Twitter: “So so sad to hear of the passing of @BirkenshawARLFC player Max Blakeley. My prayers, love and strength are with Max’s family, friends and team mates at this very sad time. Fly high Max.”
Keighley Cougars tweeted that everyone at the club was devastated:
Everyone at the Keighley Cougars is devastated to learn of the passing of Birkenshaw’s Maxwell Blakeley. Our thoughts go to Max’s family, friends and team mates during this incredibly sad time. pic.twitter.com/wtatdV5mDc
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) July 14, 2018
Martyn Sadler, editor of the weekly newspaper Rugby League Express, said: “Terribly sad news. My deep condolences to Max Blakeley’s family and friends and to everyone at the Birkenshaw club. RIP.”
