Rugby player Arturas Rudys, 27, dies following cardiac arrest during a match in Cambridgeshire
- Arturas Rudys collapsed during the game at Wisbech Rugby Club on Saturday
- Emergency services could not resuscitate the 27-year-old who died at the scene
A 27-year-old rugby player has died following a cardiac arrest during a match in Cambridgeshire.
Arturas Rudys collapsed during the Eastern Counties Frist Division fixture between Wisbech RFC and Diss RFC at Wisbech Rugby Club on Chapel Road, Wisbech, on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to the scene where responders carried out CPR and used a defibrillator, but Mr Rudys could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.
East of England Ambulance Service confirmed Mr Rudys, who leaves behind a two-year-old son according to a fundraising page, had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Wisbech Rugby Club secretary David Dobson described Mr Rudys as a 'polite and personable young man' who had previously played rugby in Lithuania.
'He was, right from the start, a very polite and personable young man keen to get involved in rugby', he said.
Arturas Rudys, 27, collapsed during an Eastern Counties Frist Division fixture on Saturday
'He played some rugby in Lithuania before the family moved to England, and he got involved in the club. He made an immediate impact with players his own age and players older as a lad who was eager to improve his game and make himself available to play.'
Wisbech Rugby Club' released a statement calling Mr Rudys a 'hugely valued' member of the club.
'It is with great sadness that the club announces the death of Arturas Rudys during a match played on Saturday 14th October', the statement read.
'Arturas, aged 27, was a hugely valued and respected member of our club who began his time at Wisbech RFC in 2013.
'Wisbech RFC thanks everyone who helped Arturas in his immediate moments of need yesterday including, club first aiders, teammates, and Diss RFC.
The incident happened during a fixture between Wisbech RFC and Diss RFC at Wisbech Rugby Club on Chapel Road, Wisbech
'The club also wishes to thank the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene.
'As a club we are in touch with Arturas' family to offer our heartfelt sympathies and support.'
It added that the club had cancelled all rugby activities in the coming days as a mark of respect.
A GoFundMe page set up by Mr Rudys' partner of four years, Jolita Kiseliovaite, had raised over £7,155 at the time of writing.
