Tributes have been paid to a Welsh rugby player who has died suddenly at the age of 21.

Gabriel Holt, who played for Wigan St Patricks and the University of Central Lancashire, was part of Wales Rugby League’s students squad.

Born and raised in Atherton, Lancashire, he qualified for Wales through family heritage.

He won three caps for Wales Students last year and was named in the squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament.

Craig Fisher, his head coach at Wales Students, said being lost for words was “somewhat of an understatement”.

“No words will ever be able to articulate what an exceptional human being you were. You were a leader, a team-mate, a champion but most of all a friend to everyone you met,” he said.

“I feel privileged to have known you and to have coached you. I know how proud you were to wear the red of Wales and were itching to tear into the 2024 Four Nations.

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“As heart-wrenching as it will be that you won’t be with us in person to go to war with us, we will take comfort in knowing that our Angel Gabriel will be with us every step of the way.

“God speed young man. Forever your coach.”

An online fundraiser has been set up to help Mr Holt’s family with funeral costs – its target of £3,000 has already been exceeded.

Dan Harris, who set up the GoFundMe page, said he had known the family for over 11 years.

He said he had “watched Gabriel go from an awkward little boy to a fit, healthy and strong man pursuing his dreams of playing rugby for top teams”.

“To hear of his passing in such a sudden way, is heart-wrenching,” he said.

“Words can’t describe the heartache we all feel, the pain and suffering that the family are going through.”

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A Wigan St Patricks spokesperson said: “We are forever immensely proud of his achievements on and off the field.

“His humour and love for life will never be forgotten as he brightened up a room and was always the one to try make anyone laugh and appreciate the moment,” they added.

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