Tributes after children's rugby coach dies aged 37

Tom Bowness was a coach for Keighley Albion

Tributes have been paid to a West Yorkshire children's rugby coach who has died after falling ill during a tournament.

Tom Bowness, 37, a coach and former player for Keighley Albion, became unwell while at the Rhinos Challenge festival in Skegness.

The club described Mr Bowness, a coach for the under-eights and nines, as "one of the nicest humans you could ever meet".

A fundraiser set up to support his wife and three children has so far raised more than £7,000.

'Loved by all'

Mr Bowness had been at the rugby tournament last week in which five Keighley Albion teams were scheduled to play.

In a Facebook post, the club said that after he had been taken ill, "Tom passed a few days later after a short battle".

The club added: "It is with heavy heart that Keighley Albion have not only lost one of our former open age players, but the club have lost a huge character and coach."

Keighley Albion would dedicate the trophy won by its under-12 teams to the former coach, according to a club spokesperson.

Mr Bowness would be "so proud of this award", they said.

"He was truly one of the nicest humans you could ever meet - kind, funny and always there to help.

"He bought massive enthusiasm to the club and to his team. He was loved by all and will be sadly missed by so many."

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