TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenage rugby player who died yesterday.

Chelsie Jones, who was 19, was a proud member of Greyhound Ladies.

The club announced today that they had received the "devastating news" that "one of their sisters has sadly passed away".

"You were taken from our family way too young, during your first season here at Greyhound," the club said in a statement.

"Ever since your first training session, you made an impact with your impressive handling skills and carries and loud, confident manner making sure everyone knew that you were around.

"You were a dedicated member of the team, showing up to every Thursday training (even bringing canine friends), most games and had been selected to go forward for North Midlands trials showing what great promise you had.

"You would laugh and joke with us, and get really involved with the team and we’ve lost our star catcher from kick off."

The statement added: "Chelsie you will be sorely missed by us all and training/games won’t be as bright without you.

"We are sending our heart felt condolences to all of your family and close friends, as we can only begin to imagine the great loss they are feeling.

"Shine bright up there and look down on us when we take to the pitch again and play for you."

Greyhound Rugby Club plays its home matches inside Hereford Racecourse and the club said next weekend's matches would be staged in Chelsie's honour.

"On behalf of the club I ask that each of you spare some time next Sunday (March 17) to come and support the ladies," a club statement said.

"They are playing at home and are playing in honour of the young lady we have lost." The kick off against Hardwicke & Quedgeley Ladies is 2.30pm.