‘A champion but most of all a friend to everyone’ – Tributes paid to ‘exceptional’ rugby player, 21, who has died suddenly

A young rugby player described as an ‘exceptional human’ has died suddenly. Gabriel Holt, 21, played for Wigan St Patricks and the University of Central Lancashire.

He had also won three caps for Wales Students last year and had been named in this year’s squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament, the Wales Online reports.

Wales Students head coach Craig Fisher released an emotional statement paying tribute to Holt, saying: “Lost for words is somewhat of an understatement. No words will ever be able to articulate what an exceptional human being you were.

“You were a leader, a team-mate, a champion but most of all a friend to everyone you met.

“I feel privileged to have known you and to have coached you. I know how proud you were to wear the red of Wales and were itching to tear into the 2src24 Four Nations.

“As heart-wrenching as it will be that you won’t be with us in person to go to war with us, we will take comfort in knowing that our Angel Gabriel will be with us every step of the way.

“Go