MEMBERS of Malvern Rugby Club have been paying tribute to a popular coach following his shock death.

Mark Edwards, of Worcester, collapsed of a heart attack while playing rugby at Droitwich on Saturday. He died in hospital on Monday evening.

Mr Edwards joined the club in January this year to coach the ladies' team, Malvern Angels.

He had a distinguished rugby career, coaching the RFUW England under-19s, Worcester University Ladies and West Midlands RFUW under-17s. He was also a county coach for Worcestershire Rugby Development Group from 1999 to 2003 and chairman of youth rugby at Droitwich RFC during the 1990s.

Gary Tolley, of Malvern Rugby Club, said: "Mark was a very good friend and coaching colleague and he was well respected in rugby circles in and around Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

"He was a great bloke and coaching colleague and I will certainly miss his coaching tips and gems of match-play tactics that he freely passed on to me during his time at Malvern."

Melanie Dawson, of Malvern Angels, said: "Mark had a zest for life and a love of rugby that was contagious.

"His commitment was awesome and in the last nine months, the ladies' numbers have increased from eight to a squad of 31.

"They have entered the league and have proved that all the work has been worth it by heading the league with some impressive victories, all directed by Mark."