A PACKED church marked the life of rugby captain Max Biles, 29, who died suddenly from natural causes.

The service in Gillingham on Friday took place after a private cremation service.

Mr Biles was the first team captain of North Dorset Rugby Football Club.

Club president Chris Brickell told the Daily Echo: “I’m pretty sure the church has never had so many people in it.

“There were over 500 people there.

“Then the rugby club was bursting to the seams.”

Mr Brickell said there had been laughter amid the tears, as many fond and funny memories were recounted.

Mr Biles joined the club about six years ago, and had played for the first team for the last two years. Fit and well, his death is thought to have followed a seizure.

His number four shirt has been taken off its peg and plans are being made to frame it in tribute to its final holder.

His mother Liz Biles has asked for donations in Max Biles’ memory to the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) which raises awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, and contributes to research.