NEWTON Abbot Rugby Club was left stunned this week when one of its players collapsed during the All Whites' end of season dinner and dance and later died.

moments before, Duncan Christophers, 44, had been dancing with his wife Kathleen towards the end of the evening at Rackerhayes on Saturday.

An army paramedic, a guest at the event, treated Duncan at the scene before an ambulance took him to Torbay Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The sudden death shocked the many who knew him and the area's sporting world.

Sunday's junior rugby awards and presentations at Rackerhayes were cancelled as a mark of respect.