UK Armed Forces rugby player dies in France

A member of the UK Armed Forces rugby union squad has died in France, where the team are taking part in the forces rugby world cup tournament.

The player, who has not been named, served in the Royal Navy.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "We can confirm the death of a member of the Naval Service in Brittany, France.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family and friends and the individual’s next of kin have been informed. We are assisting the French authorities with their investigations and therefore are unable to comment further."

The International Defence Rugby Competition, known as the forces rugby world cup, is being held in venues across Brittany in northwest France.

UKAF are scheduled to play against Fiji in the semi-final on Sunday.