Tributes to rugby player killed on way to training

Tributes have been paid to a talented rugby player with a "heart of gold" who died in a crash on the A46 in Leicester.

Jacob Hardwick, 20, from Nottinghamshire, died on Tuesday while on his way to train with Leicestershire's under-20s rugby team.

The hooker also played for Southwell RUFC, which said his death would "leave a massive hole in many people's lives, and the changing rooms will not be the same without him".

Following the crash, Leicestershire Police arrested and later released a 53-year-old lorry driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

In a statement posted on its website, the club announced it would retire his number two shirt for the remainder of the season.

"To say that Jacob was a popular teammate is an understatement, and in a short period of time, both Jacob and his family have become a huge part of our rugby club," the statement said.

"Jacob had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room.

"His cheeky sense of humour gave both the changing room, and our first team, as a whole, much-needed perspective during the most serious of moments.

"As a player, Jacob was a modern-day hooker who scored tries from all over the pitch.

"He provided a link between the forwards and backs and had an uncanny knack of popping up to receive that final try scoring pass, something that was not lost on his teammates."

Leicestershire Rugby Union also posted a tribute to the forward, describing him as a "well-loved" part of the county's squad.

"The players, coaches and rugby friends share their condolences to Jacob's family in what is a shocking and unimaginable time," it said.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hardwick's death and have appealed for dashcam footage.

The force said the crash took place on the southbound carriageway of the A46, just before the Anstey junction, at about 18:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Officers said the crash involved a lorry, a grey Land Rover Defender, a black Kia Ceed, a blue Volkswagen Sharan and a Volkswagen Transporter.

Hardwick, who was driving the Land Rover, was pronounced dead at the scene while another man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital where he was being treated for life-threatening injuries.

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