Exclusive:Club's tribute to popular South Yorkshire rugby player after tragic death in industrial accident
Plans to hold a minutes silence in memory of former player
Devasted friends have paid tribute to a popular rugby player, after his tragic death in a suspected industrial accident.
Ant Butcher had played for Dinnington Rugby Club for years, and club president Terry Young expressed the club’s sadness at the loss of the well loved member of the club family.
Terry said: “He was a lovely lad. He was part of our rugby club family.
“He left us for a while after having children and moving out to Maltby, but he was a lovely lad who got on really well with everyone. He will be really missed.
“He used to have to fit his rugby in with his job as a plasterer. I know our chairman was speaking to him recently and said he thought he had another year in him.
“We’re playing Melbourne in Derbyshire in our next game, and I’m going to be requesting a minutes silence, in his memory.”
The club also published a tribute to Ant on its Facebook page.
A man with a great sense of humour and someone who would put his hand up to help with just about anything
It stated: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our former player and friend, Ant Butcher.
“Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Butch will know there was never much doubt about what he was thinking. He spoke his mind, told you exactly how he saw things and, even when something difficult needed saying, he was never afraid to be the one to say it.
“That was Butch. Honest, straight-talking and completely himself.
“But alongside that was a man with a great sense of humour and someone who would put his hand up to help with just about anything. He didn’t stand at the back waiting for somebody else to do it. He led from the front, got stuck in and never took a backward step.”
They added: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Butch’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him at this incredibly difficult time.
“Thank you for everything you gave to our club, Butch.”
Emergency Services were sent out to an industrial site on Todwick Road, Dinnington, Rotherham, after a 999 call on Wednesday morning.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed and enquiries remain ongoing.