Clubs and players have paid tribute to a rugby player who collapsed and died during his team's visit to York.

Prop forward Max Blakeley, who played in both codes, was part of the visiting Birkenshaw Blue Dogs team playing Heworth A in a rugby league match.

He went off not feeling well and was substituted at the end of the first quarter. At half time, colleagues realised something was seriously wrong with him.

Heworth A immediately fetched their defibrillator, gave him first aid and called the ambulance.

But all the efforts of both first aiders and paramedics, who arrived quickly, were unable to save him.

The game was abandoned.

Those present said afterwards there had been no incident during the match that could explain the death.

Ken Sykes, Heworth ARFLC club secretary said: "I've been involved in the sport for over 50 years. It's not an experience I have had before and hopefully I won't again."

Heworth players did their best to console their visitors from West Yorkshire.

"When something like this happens, what can you say?" said Mr Sykes. "It was fairly quiet after the game."

The club tweeted: "No words can describe what happened today at our Elmpark Way ground. All we can do at this very sad time is offer our condolences to all at Birkenshaw RL. #RIP"

A club statement from the visitors said: "Birkenshaw Rugby League Club are sorry to inform of the passing of 32 year old Max Blakeley.

A spokesman for Bradford Bulls said: "Everyone at the Bradford Bulls is very sad to hear of the passing of Maxwell Blakeley, who passed away during Birkenshaw Bluedogs Rugby League Club game against Heworth earlier today.

"Prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone in Rugby League community at this extremely traumatic time. RIP."

Neil Gillan, chairman of Cleckheaton Rugby Union said on the club's website on Saturday evening: "It is with the deepest sadness that we have to report the passing today of Cleckheaton player Max Blakeley.

"Max was playing summer rugby league for local club Birkenshaw when he felt unwell.

"Max was a club stalwart and we are devastated. He played union for the club for around 20 years and enjoyed playing league during the summer to keep fit.

"He liked playing at prop and was very reliable and dedicated.

"We can't believe that someone like Max who was so full of life could go so suddenly.

"Sleep tight Max you will be sorely missed."

Phil Caplan, for Yorkshire Men’s League management committee added: "It is with profound sadness that we can confirm Birkenshaw player Max Blakeley tragically passed away during a match at Heworth.

"Max came off the pitch and later became poorly. Paramedics were called but were unable to revive him. His family have requested privacy at this difficult time. The Club will issue a further statement when appropriate."

Welfare officers from the Rugby Football League Benevolent Fund are supporting the family and the York coroner has been informed.

The match at Heworth's base on Elmfield Way was in the Yorkshire Men's League Division 5.