A north rugby club is in mourning following the sudden death of a “well-liked and bubbly” player.
Highland Rugby Club has postponed all fixtures this weekend as a mark of respect to Lewis MacDonald, who was found dead at his home in Nairn on Tuesday afternoon.
The club held a special meeting with mental health charity Mikeysline on Thursday evening.
The club’s president Graham Findlater paid tribute to Mr MacDonald, who he described as a “well-liked” and “bubbly” player.
Mr Findlater said: “The whole club is saddened to hear of the news.
“It’s been a massive shock to everyone within the club.
“Lewis was a well-liked and bubbly character and this has hit the club quite hard.
“Lewis really did get involved in the club when he was able to make himself available and he was part of the parcel that goes with being part of our squad.
“We have decided to postpone all games this weekend as a mark of respect to the family and all of our players who have been affected by this incident.”
Police have said they are not treating Mr MacDonald’s death as suspicious and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
About 50 attended the club’s base on Thursday to discuss Mr MacDonald’s death and for support.
Donna Smith, chairwoman of Mikeysline, said: “When something like this happens, particularly in the Highlands, it has a big impact on small communities.
“We appreciate that there may be a knock-on effect in the way people are feeling and we want to be there to support people so they know it is absolutely okay not to be okay.
“There are people out there who will listen.”
The club has confirmed it is also working alongside welfare officers at Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in order to put support systems in place for all its members.
An SRU spokesman said: “Scottish Rugby is doing everything it can to support Highland Rugby Club at what is a sad time for everyone at the club and the wider community.
“We offer our condolences to all of Lewis’ friends and family and everybody affected by this incident at this sad time.”
Other north rugby clubs have expressed their “collective” and “deepest” condolences to their friends at Highland.
Lochaber Rugby Club said: “The rugby family will come together. Know we’re here to support.”
Ross Sutherland added: “This is very sad news but rugby people are good people and we all pull together and support each other in times of adversity.”
