A POPULAR and talented schoolboy rugby player died yesterday following a tragic accident.

Tributes were paid to 13-year-old Lewis Fullwood (pictured) who died at the University Hospital of Wales. It is understood his mum Sarah was at his side.

Lewis was a pupil at St Joseph's RC High School and head teacher Sue Jenkins said their thoughts and prayers were with his family at this sad time.

"Lewis was an extremely involved member of year eight who took full part in school life both inside the classroom and out," she said.

"He was a talented sportsman who was captain of the year eight rugby team. He was very popular with pupils and staff. He was such a popular boy, such a lovely character."

Miss Jenkins added that Lewis also played for local teams and had friends in schools across Newport.

She said he had a supportive family who always took an active part in his schooling.

Miss Jenkins added: "Naturally the whole school is very saddened and upset. Since we heard Lewis was in hospital we have had counsellors in school to support staff and pupils."

Lewis, who had a black belt in karate, was also a member of St Joseph's under-13s rugby team who are due to play RTB Ebbw Vale in the Gwent Cup Final at Pontypool United on Sunday.

Club chairman Peter Church said: "Lewis has been in the intensive care unit at University Hospital of Wales following a tragic accident last Monday.

"Sadly, he has not pulled through and died at 11.05 hours on Friday morning.

"His mother, Sarah and family have requested that the cup match goes ahead because they know that is what Lewis would have wanted. This will be a very difficult and poignant occasion in distressing circumstances for both teams as many of the RTB players have played with Lewis for the Young Gwent District U13s."

He said all the coaches, players and parents had been supportive of Sarah as well as to each other.

Gwent Police confirmed they were called to an incident in the Maindee area and a teenage boy was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. There were no suspicious circumstances.