Tributes for 'dear friend' and 'valued teammate' Royal Navy rugby player Steffan Rees

Tributes have been paid to Royal Navy Able Seaman Steffan Rees, who died in a fall while taking part in an international military rugby tournament.

AB Rees had been representing the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) rugby union side in the International Defence Rugby Competition which is being held in venues across Brittany in northwest France.

Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse, Royal Navy rugby union chairman, posted on X, formerly Twitter: "A fantastic young man; on and off the pitch. He will always be in Royal Navy Rugby family. Gone but never forgotten."

AB Rees also played for civilian side Aberystwyth RFC, which said it was cancelling its weekend fixture out of respect for their player.

They posted a tribute on X which said: "It is a very sad week in our club as we inform members of the death of our player Steffan Rees.

"Steff passed away in France earlier this week where he was representing the combined British Armed Services in the Armed Forces Rugby World Cup, a tremendous achievement by Steff and one that our club is very proud of.

"Accordingly all senior rugby games have been cancelled this weekend as we send our deepest sympathy to Steff's family and close friends. All our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time."

Royal Navy Rugby posted a tribute to AB Rees, along with the words: "We have lost a dear friend and an incredibly talent and valued teammate. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Steff's family and friends."

Army Rugby Union added to the post on X, formerly Twitter, by saying: "Our sincerest condolences to Steff's family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

The team had just made it through to the semi-finals of the competition.

It has been decided to proceed with the tournament and the team plays Fiji military on Sunday.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and sympathy are with their family and friends and their next of kin have been informed. As we assist with the French authorities in their investigations we are unable to comment further."

A statement from the organisers of World Defence Rugby 2023 said: "The organisers of the 2023 international defence rugby competition, the Western Defence and Security Zone, the Centre National des Sports de la Defense and the Brittany Regional Rugby League, join with the UK Armed Forces in mourning the death of a member of their team during the competition earlier this week.

"The entire rugby and military sports community has come together to offer its more fraternal support to the family of the British serviceman, his loved ones and his team-mates.

"The British team has decided to continue the competition in tribute to his comrade. We would like to express our sympathy and solidarity to his teammates and wish them every success."

According to a post on X by the Royal Navy Rugby Union Referees Society, their members who will be out representing their local societies with the return of rugby season this weekend, are being invited to wear a black armband to honour AB Rees.