Rugby club pays tribute to player killed in crash

The teammates of a talented rugby player who died in a crash in Leicester have paid tribute to him before their first home game since his death.

Jacob Hardwick, 20, from Nottinghamshire, died on 17 February while on his way to train with Leicestershire's under-20s rugby team.

He also played hooker for Southwell RC, who took to their home field for the first time since his death on Saturday.

Speaking before the match, vice captain Liam Combellack, said the side are already focused on honouring Hardwick's dream of getting the club promoted.

"We've had a tear and today's about putting in a performance for him," Combellack said.

"I've said to the lads a few times, there's no better place to be than a rugby club at times like this.

"It really is the best place to be."

Combellack said his childhood friend dreamed of being promoted with Southwell, something the side will focus on in their next campaign.

"Jacob was a ball of energy," he said.

"A day like today would suit him down to a tee.

"He'd probably be one of the loudest in the changing rooms, and probably the loudest on the pitch as well.

"One of Jacob's dreams was to get promoted with this club.

"Next year it's going to be a massive focus for us to try and honour his dream."

Following his death, tributes from across the game were paid to the number 2.

Southwell's decision to retire his shirt for the rest of the season was described as a "fitting tribute" to Hardwick by Southwell chairman Spud Smith.

He said the Nottinghamshire club received condolences from Premiership side Leicester Tigers, as well as teams from as far afield as Newcastle and Durham.

"Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of Jacob's life.

"It's the rugby community bringing people together to celebrate Jacob.

"I think you can never anticipate this response, but it just shows how rugby draws everybody together and I think that just says a lot for the sport and a lot for this local community as well."

Leicestershire Police said Hardwick was driving a Land Rover when he was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the southbound carriageway of the A46, just before the Anstey junction, at about 18:00 GMT on 17 February.

Detectives arrested and later released a 53-year-old lorry driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

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