TEAM-MATES and club officials today paid tribute to a Leigh Rugby Union star who collapsed and died at the weekend shortly before he was due to play in an important cup match.

Well-liked Mark Callan, 33, died from a heart attack at his home in London on Friday night.

Yesterday the burly prop forward was due to play in the semi-final of the Lancashire Trophy.

Club press officer Alban Westwell said today that the team were determined to win the match for Mark and, after a minute's silence before the game, clinched a 16-12 victory over St Edward's Old Boys and a place in the final.

Mark, who was single, joined the club about five years ago, moving from his native Pocklington in Yorkshire to Golborne, and became an important part of the team. He became area manager for Netto, based in Leigh, but moved a few months ago to London when he was promoted in the company.

Despite the distance, Mark maintained his loyalty to the club, returning to Leigh most weekends to play.

Mr Westwell said: "Mark was very well liked by everyone at the club. Yesterday we won the the game and got through to the final but the players were walking back to the clubhouse in tears.

"The lads were determined to win the match for Mark and we want to win the trophy for him as well.

"Mark was 6ft 2ins and 18 stone. He was very fit and trained quite hard."

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