Rugby player dies after collapsing at Boxing Day friendly

A dad of three collapsed and died at the side of the pitch during a Boxing Day Rugby match in Cardiff.

Vincent Francis, 48, was playing outside half for Caerau RFC seniors in a friendly against the club’s junior side at their home ground in Trelai Park when the tragedy happened.

He had just substituted himself after feeling unwell and was watching the game from the sidelines when he collapsed.

Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for the popular rugby stalwart since his tragic death.

An ambulance was called and paramedics treated Mr Francis, a widower, at the scene but it was too late, said club chairman and lifelong friend Mike Meredith.

Mr Francis had played with the club for more than 30 years, joining as a teenager and playing and coaching as a senior. He was the current backs coach.

His sister and 20-year-old daughter Sophie were watching the match and are understood to have rushed to his side when he collapsed.

“It was a suspected heart attack,” said Mr Meredith.

“He was a personal friend. It is a sad loss to the club and we will all miss him.

“I spoke to him in the changing rooms before the game. He was fine and looking forward to playing and looking forward to getting on the pitch. He made a quip saying it was no excuse me not playing because I had my baby grandson with me.

“I was there but didn’t see him collapse because my grandson was getting fractious so I’d walked away with him.

“He had just come off the pitch substituted and felt a bit ill and collapsed on the sideline.”

Mr Francis, who was widowed several years ago, lived in Ely and worked for Rentokil. As well as daughter Sophie, he leaves sons James, 24, a Welsh Guardsman, and 18-year-old Ross. James also played several times for the Caerau Ely RFC first XV alongside his beloved father.

“He was always there at the club. Everybody knew him,” added Mr Meredith.

“He was just an ordinary bloke who loved his rugby and family. He was a nice bloke. He was a Wales and Cardiff supporter.”

Today condolences were pouring into the club on social media.

Close friend John Lovell, who was playing alongside Vincent during the game, said he was a great servant to the club.

He said: “A lot of people called him Vince the Prince. He was a good-looking chap and he also had the gift of the gab.

“He was definitely a cheeky chappy, but he was also a great player who was a member of the club for 30 years.

“He has been one of the longest serving players – and he was even playing up until last year.

“His family are doing okay, but it will take some time to get over such a tragedy.”

Mr Francis became captain of Caerau Ely RFC Youth in 1983 and starred as outside half for the first team.

He was given captaincy between 1992 and 1995 and remained involved in the club as assistant coach and backs coach.

A minute’s silence was held for the popular Welshman at Caerau’s home tie against Rogerstone RFC today.

“Vincent was always a stickler for games being called off, so we thought it was only right to continue with the match in his memory – it’s what he would have wanted,” added John.

Rugby player dies after collapsing at Boxing Day friendly