THE flag at Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club has been flying at half mast this week in tribute to player Jeff Kingston, who collapsed and died after last Saturday's match against Weston Hornets.
Jeff, 46, had finished the game and was in the changing rooms when he complained of severe back pain.
He was about to head home when he collapsed.
Rugby club secretary Colin Howells paid tribute to both Jeff and the people who had tried to save him.
He said Jeff had played for the club as a junior and had recently rejoined as a member of the third team after returning to live in the area.
"We are all absolutely devastated by this and obviously our thoughts are with his partner Sally Bishop and his children, Thomas, 13, and Emily, 11.
"It was extremely sudden and we still don't know what caused his death as we haven't had the results from the post mortem.
"We had a minute's silence at the club as soon as we heard he hadn't made it and our juniors and minis did the same thing before their matches on Sunday," Mr Howells said.
He thanked a team physio from Winscombe Rugby Club and two nurses from Minehead Hospital who helped Mr Kingston until paramedics arrived.
"They worked on him for 20 minutes and we can't thank them enough for their endeavours," he said.
"Jeff was a lovely man and his death is a huge loss to the club and to rugby."
Jeff had moved back to West Somerset around a year ago following his father's death.
Bill Murray, president of Jeff's former club - Camberley RFC in Surrey - said the thoughts of everyone at his old club were with his family.
"Jeff played at Camberley for many years and will be well-known to most people here," he said.
"He was one of those truly wholehearted and indomitable club men.
"Whatever the team and wherever the match, Jeff was always ready and keen to play.
"His enthusiasm for rugby and for the club in particular was an inspiration to all. He will be greatly missed by us all."