TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented Bournemouth Rugby Club player who died in a canoeing incident yesterday morning.

Lions try-scoring sensation Sam Yarwood, 22, had been canoeing with a friend in the Lake District when he got into difficulties.

Police were called to Ullswater lake at 8.39am together with the Great North Air Ambulance, coastguards, mountain rescue teams and the RAF.

Mr Yarwood, who lived in Rossmore in Poole and worked at LA Fitness, was discovered on the water at 9am between Glenridding and Watermillock and was taken to Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary by air ambulance. He was pronounced dead at hospital, Cumbria Police said.

A spokesman said officers had been in contact with Mr Yarwood’s family, who are believed to be from the Birmingham area.

Mr Yarwood’s friend also got into difficulties but managed to make his way to shore.

He was taken to Penrith Hospital by ambulance for a check up.

Ullswater is one of the Lake District national park’s most popular attractions.

Mr Yarwood arrived at Bournemouth Rugby Club in September and had scored 27 tries in the league – a season club record and a club career record for a winger.

Last week he spoke to the Daily Echo about his hopes of reaching the magic 30-try milestone in the National Three South West league this season.

“I definitely didn’t think I would have broken the try-scoring record when I joined the club last summer,” he said.

“This is the highest level of rugby I have played in England and I didn’t know what to expect, so I feel I have adapted well.

“It’s a great feeling, particularly as it is my first season at Chapel Gate. It’s been a great campaign all round for me and the team.”

Bournemouth Lions coach David Dunn paid tribute to the wing wizard.

“Everyone is absolutely devastated. We are all trying to come to terms with this tragedy,” he said.