A FITNESS fanatic rugby player has died after collapsing on the pitch.

Former soldier Steve Ranson was playing in the second row for Leigh Rugby Union Club's sixth team against Eagle second XV on Saturday when the tragedy happened mid-way through the second-half of the game at Great Sankey, Warrington.

Steve, aged 51, who lived in Pennington with his wife, Christine, and daughters Emma, 24, and Charlotte, 13, who is a member of the North West under 14s rugby union squad, remained on the floor after a scrum.

Despite valiant efforts to revive him by fellow players and paramedics Steve died after being taken to Warrington General Hospital.

His brother-in-law, Mike Hillary, of Chestnut Drive South, Leigh, had just taken to the field as a substitute winger when the tragedy happened.

"The scrum was over and the ball had gone away and Steve was left on the floor. Players came off a neighbouring soccer pitch to try to help before the paramedics and ambulance arrived. Everybody did everything they could to save him," said a still shocked Mike.

"He was such a popular guy. I never heard anybody say a bad word about him."

A qualified coach who had helped Leigh RUFC's under 13s team, Steve had played for Leigh third team and also the Veterans' side during his involvement with the club which dates back to the early 1990s.

Steve served 22 years in the Welsh Guards, retiring as a Regimental Colour Sergeant. He played rugby for the Army and also enjoyed hockey and football. After retiring from the armed forces he was involved in security work.

His mother-in-law Mrs Ruth Hillary of Eyet Street, Leigh, explained how Steve had overcome a slight stroke he suffered three years ago and ran daily and had competed in triathlon events.

"He was so fit," she said.

A shocked pack mate who was one of the first to try to help described Steve, as "a hard lad, but a gentleman".

Former team mate Lance Rawlinson, who played with Steve in the Leigh Vets side, said: "We're all absolutely gutted, Steve was a fun guy, one of the nicest people you could meet."

And stunned Club chairman Mike Ince said: "Our sympathy goes out to Steve's family. It is tragic."

A post mortem examination was carried out on Monday and the circumstances referred to the coroner.

The funeral will take place on Monday at 2.15pm at Kingsleigh Methodist Church followed by cremation at Howe Bridge.

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