Shocked Doncaster Knights players pay tribute to Ian Williams

Doncaster Knights - and the wider sporting community in Doncaster - are in shock following the sudden death of 27-year-old prop Ian Williams.
Doncaster Knights prop Ian Williams, who died on TuesdayDoncaster Knights prop Ian Williams, who died on Tuesday
Doncaster Knights prop Ian Williams, who died on Tuesday

Swansea-born Williams died after collapsing at training at Castle Park yesterday morning.

Social media was last night awash with tributes to the Oxford University graduate, who joined Doncaster from Rotherham Titans last summer.

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Team captain Michael Hills tweeted: “Such a tragic and heart-breaking day. We have lost a lovely guy and friend, my thoughts are with his family and anyone that knew him. He will always be remembered, Rest in Peace Ian xxx”

Colin Quigley posted: “Absolutely gutted u will not meet a nicer bloke & team mate can’t believe it heart breaking my thoughts are with his family Rest in Peace Ian”

Declan Cusack said: “Incredibly sad and tough day. All our thoughts and prayers with Ian’s family. One of life’s true gents. Rest in peace brother x”

Richard List tweeted: “Today we lost a member of the @DoncasterKnight family, Ian was a good friend, teammate and fellow front rower. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Ian you will be missed but never forgotten.”

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Jason Hill said: “Hard to process what happened this morning. Thoughts with his family. RIP bud”

In a statement Knights said: “Ian quickly became a well-liked member of the Knights squad making six appearances for the club.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Ian’s mother Pippa, father Phillip and sister Helen and are working with a counselling team in the best interest of Ian’s teammates.”

n More on this story on p1 and p5.