CALLS for every sports club in Wales to have a defibrillator have been issued by the Welsh Conservatives following the tragic death of a rugby player over the weekend.

Alex Evans, a 31-year-old flanker, was playing for Cwmllynfell RFC at Parc y Bryn in Neath Port Talbot when he suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday afternoon.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Sport and South Wales West MS, Tom Giffard, said: “My thoughts go out to Alex’s family and friends at this awful time. His tragic and untimely death highlights the urgent need for all sports clubs in Wales to have defibrillators.

“We have long called for these important life-saving pieces of equipment to be installed at sports clubs, and now is the time for the Welsh Labour Government to act.

“Defibrillators aren’t cheap, so Labour ministers needs to work with clubs and organisations across Wales and provide them with financial support.

“The Welsh Government needs to move fast because the quicker we get them put in place, the more lives we can save.”

Tribute

The Cwmllynfell RFC wrote on Twitter: “There are words and there are no words to describe today.

“We have lost a brother on the field and it is hurting so much. RIP Alex. The whole club and community are shocked and saddened.

"Fly high brother… fly high.”

The club has set up a fundraising page for Mr Evans’s family: https://gofund.me/98fa15ba