A teenage rugby player has died after a rare reaction following surgery on a broken leg.

Rob Tagg, 19, of Woodperry Lane, Beckley, developed complications after undergoing routine treatment for the injury, which he suffered in a friendly rugby match at university. It was not considered to be life threatening, but he developed a rare condition after surgery known as adult respiratory distress syndrome and his lungs failed. He died after three weeks in intensive care.

Rob, who was one of eight children, had just started a biology degree course at King's College, London. In just a few weeks he proved so popular that around 100 friends are planning to make the journey from London to his funeral next week.

His brother Nich, 25, said: "He really did fight to get through the illness. He clawed his way back several times but kept having set backs. I can't help but be proud of the way he kept fighting back."

His sister Catherine, a GP, 27, told the Oxford Mail: "What his friends have said was that he was always smiling, he was always positive and could make anyone laugh.

"It was an infectious sense of fun. We're just so proud of him." Brother Nich, 25, added: "His friends say that you could tell by the atmosphere if he was in the room. He had a love of life, a real zest. He made such a big impact. His friends say he would stand in a bar and chat to anyone."

At Magdalen College School, Rob had proved himself a talented all-rounder. He gained the title of top RAF cadet in the school's combined cadet force and was also a prefect and captain of his house cross country, rugby and athletics teams.

Former house master Dr Kendall Williams said: "He was extremely observant and intelligent about the world around him. He was a very astute young man. I never knew him without a smile on his face. He was hard working and was very organised but he was also a very caring person and someone who was always prepared to listen."

During his first term at King's College Rob had played for his university and hall rugby team. His other hobbies included camping, climbing, hiking, canoeing and he had gained a qualification in gliding.

During a year out before university, he worked as a barman at Brown's restaurant, Woodstock Road, Oxford. He had also become one of the county's top scouts, gaining the top accolade of chief scout, awarded to only a handful of teenagers in the county every year.

Malcolm Hart, group leader of the 48 Oxford, St Andrews Group, where Rob had been a member and later a helper, said: "He was the most dedicated scout I've come across. He was outgoing and enthusiastic."

Rob leaves a girlfriend, Sylvia Birch, who is studying pharmacy in Nottingham, as well as three brothers and four sisters. His parents Christine and Geoff had recently moved to Beckley from Headington.

The funeral will be held at Beckley Parish Church on February 24.

Story date: Friday 19 February

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