A rugby club has paid tribute to a “wonderful young man” who lost his life on Sunday.

Adam Ayres, who played for Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club, passed away after he fell ill outside of the Duke of Wellington pub in Epping High Street.

In a post on the their website, the club offered its “deepest sympathy” to ‘Ayresy’s’ friends and family.

The post said: “It is with the heaviest of heart we write this message but as many of you now know we received some awful news Sunday. We tragically lost one of our own in Adam Ayres, far far too soon!

“There is no camaraderie like your club and Ayresy personified our club and what we stand for. Loyalty, Integrity and Friendship. His family and the club are hurting right now and we all need time to reflect on this wonderful young man. He meant so much to each and every aone of us.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called by the ambulance service shortly after 1.30am on Sunday (September 20) after a man aged in his 30s was taken ill outside the Duke of Wellington pub in High Street, Epping.

"Sadly he died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

"His death is being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner."

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