KEIGHLEY RUFC has expressed its “sadness” at the loss of its much loved player Alex Barusevicus.

The 21-year-old took his own life while away at university, the club reported.

Keighley RUFC said: “It is with sadness that we must report that one of our players Alex Barusevicus this week took his own life while away at University.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends at this tragic time.

“Alex, 21 years old, came to the club back in 2019 and immediately made an impact with his fitness and tenacity which made a perfect combination for a back-row player, he was a well-liked player within the club, and on one of his last games for the Stags, he was awarded Man of the Match away at Huddersfield YMCA.

“We would like to remind our players, members and supporters that talking helps, management, coaches, and players are there for you, just pick up the phone.”

You can pay your respects in the online Book of Condolence here...

If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, you can reach out to a number of free services such as Samaritans on 116 123.

You can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) line on 0800 58 58 58 – open 5pm to midnight every day – or access the web chat via www.thecalmzone.net

Papyrus, for people under 35, can be reached via 0800 068 41 41 – from 9am to midnight every day – or by texting 07860 039967.

Childline – for children and young people under 19 – can be reached via 0800 1111 and the number will not show up on your phone bill.

SOS Suicide of Silence can be reached on 0300 1020 505 – open 9am to midnight every day – and by email, support@sossilenceofsuicide.org

If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, these text lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.

Open to all, you can use the Shout Crisis Text Line by messaging  “SHOUT” to 85258.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19 – can be reached by texting “YM” to 85258