A MINUTE'S silence will be held at rugby clubs across South East Wales today in memory of an Abergavenny rugby player who died a week ago.

Twenty-one-year-old Lewis Smith died suddenly last Saturday shortly after playing for Abergavenny RFC's 2nd XV, The Quins, in an away game at Gwernyfed RFC, near Brecon.

Abergavenny RFC, which Mr Smith had played for since he was eight years old, said players and its committee had met during a "difficult week" and decided that its 1st and 2nd XV games would go ahead this weekend.

A minute's silence in memory of Mr Smith will be held at club ground Bailey Park, where The Quins take on Usk, and at the 1st XV game away to Croesyceiliog today.

Abergavenny RFC said the gesture would be repeated at rugby clubs across South East Wales.

The club also said that it has retired the number five shirts for The Quins and the 1st XV for this season at least, and a special page has been set up for tributes, photographs and condolences on the Abergavenny RFC website.

Earlier this week the club paid tribute to Mr Smith, describing him as a "committed" and "much loved" player, and said it had been stunned by the devastating news of his death.

King Henry VIII Comprehensive School in Abergavenny, where Mr Smith was a student between 2000 and 2007, also paid tribute to its former pupil yesterday.

A statement said: "Lewis was a popular and friendly boy who was liked by all. He became a keen sportsman representing the school in rugby and later playing for Abergavenny.

“Lewis was a charismatic person who had an impact on so many people. He was adored and loved by everyone who knew him and will be sadly missed."

The school expressed its deep sympathy to Mr Smith's family and friends.