Rugby players fought back tears as they spoke of the man they lovingly described as "everybody's friend".

Members of Didcot Rugby Club were told about former team-mate Viv Rogerson's death shortly after a 55-0 trouncing of Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday.

Captain Darren Grimes told the players the 37-year-old, who used to play on the wing before retiring because of injury, had died in hospital.

Steve Bryan, who played in the game and knew Mr Rogerson for many years, said: "Everybody was totally shocked.

"We knew him, played with him and loved him. He was one of the liveliest blokes in the team. He still kept in touch with everybody and always came on tours.

"He was one of the lads. You could always meet up with him and would always be laughing. It is just unbelievable what has happened." He recalled a recent meeting with Mr Rogerson at his local pub, the Queen's Arms, in Manor Road, Didcot. "He gave us a hug and a kiss and had us laughing our heads off. He was such a lovable bloke, I just don't imagine him having that sort of problem (the dispute which led to his death). You could always guarantee fun with Viv."

Club committee member Martin Llewellyn, whose wife Jane is the club treasurer, said: "He was a good old boy. Nobody can quite take it in."

Another former colleague said: "Viv was everybody's friend. The bloke was an icon."

Friends said their thoughts were particularly with his older sister, Jenny Hall, who also lives in Didcot. Within the past year, she also lost her twin sister to a blood disorder.

Anna Orlando, whose 40th birthday party Mr Rogerson attended earlier on Friday evening, said: "Everyone always had a good word to say about him. "He had a heart of gold. We are all shell-shocked. It's a tragic end to what was a very good evening."

Jacqueline Sporle, landlady of the Broadways pub, where partygoers ended up later that night, said: "We knew him really well. Paul (her partner) and I had known him for years.

"He was just a funny guy. He was a jolly guy. He had been enjoying himself at Anna's party, catching up on old times."

Story date: Monday 08 February

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