TEAM mates of an Abergavenny rugby player who died suddenly after a match, held a minute's silence on Saturday at the first game since his death.

Lewis Smith, 21, died suddenly on January 15 shortly after playing for Abergavenny RFC's 2nd XV, The Quins, away to Gwernyfed RFC, near Brecon.

Mr Smith had played for the club since he was eight years old and players and committee members met last week to decide whether or not this weekend's games were to go ahead.

An overnight frost threatened to call off The Quins' fixture against Usk at Bailey Park in Abergavenny on Saturday, but the referee gave the game the go ahead shortly before kick off.

Mr Smith's team mates came on to the pitch wearing T-shirt bearing a photo which said 'RIP Big Man - gone but never forgotten.'

A minute's silence was observed before kick-off at Bailey Park and also at Abergavenny's first team fixture away to Croesyceiliog.

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 devestating news of his death.

The club has retired Mr Smith's number 5 shirt for the season as a mark of respect.