FRIENDS of a 23-year-old rugby player who “wore his heart on his sleeve” have paid tribute to him after he died while watching a match at Worcester’s Sixways stadium.

Dominic Cullen, of Gloucester-based Matson Rugby Club, was in Worcester to watch his club’s under-17s play in the National U17 Championship.

Mr Cullen, of Gloucester, had played in his position as a flanker earlier in the day in the North Gloucester Combination Cup.

He collapsed in a toilet block at 5.20pm. Attempts were made to revive him at the scene before he was taken to hospital.

Darren Mann, manager of Matson seniors, said he had known Mr Cullen for 10 years and coached him during his time at the club.

“He started about age eight or nine,” said Mr Mann. “He was a great guy. Everybody liked him. There is nothing bad to say about him.

“It is a massive shock. We are all stunned because he was only 23 years old.

"He will be missed by everybody. He was very popular.

"The guys in the first team have come through together. They’re a tight-knit team.”

Chris Ravenhill, club secretary, said: “He wore his heart on his sleeve. I have known him for 10 years and I have seen him develop into a strapping 23-year-old. He was ever-present in the first team. He was a top kid.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it was called to Sixways on Sunday to reports of a man whose heart had stopped.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man in cardiac arrest and CPR being carried out.

"Crews took over resuscitation attempts and carried out advanced life support.

"Emergency treatment continued en route to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance, where resuscitation attempts continued.”

Adrian Harling, vice chairman of Worcester Rugby Club, said: “I am very sorry to hear that anybody should pass away on an occasion that is to be enjoyed. Very, very sad end to a good day.”

A spokesman for Sixways Stadium declined to comment.