TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘cheerful, popular and talented’ Ross-on-Wye rugby player who died while working at a hotel.

Ollie Floyd, aged 20, died after the agricultural sprayer he was in rolled into a lake at The Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales at around 7.50am on Tuesday.

He was working for a weed control company which had been contracted to work at the resort’s Twenty Ten golf course. A 46-year-old man from Ross, who was also in the vehicle, was reported to have suffered minor injuries.

Both Gwent Police and Newport City Council’s health and safety team are carrying out inquiries.

President of Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club, Brian Harris, led the tributes to Mr Floyd, who had played for the club for three years as back row or second row.

Mr Harris said: “He was a very good player. He was very passionate about his rugby- a very talented member of the first XV. He was very much a team player.

“He also involved himself fully in all aspects of the club.

“Ollie was a very cheerful, very popular and lively young man. He was the third generation of his family to play for Ross. He loved rugby- it was his passion.”

He said Mr Floyd, who was very close to his family, was very committed and playing his best rugby yet this season.

Mr Harris added: “The lives of many of the club have been made richer by knowing him. He will be greatly missed by the club. Our hearts and prayers go out to his parents and family.”

Headteacher of John Kyrle High School, where Mr Floyd went to school, Nigel Griffiths said: “It is very difficult to try and put down on paper what Ollie Floyd meant to everyone at John Kyrle.

“The school community is saddened by this tragic event. Ollie was a popular boy, a great sportsman and represented the school in rugby.”

His form tutor, Christopher Godwin, said that he made many great friendships with students and staff alike and will be greatly missed by them all.

Tributes poured in on the Ross rugby club’s Facebook page. Nicholas Stephens said: “I'm in deep shock like the rest of you guys who knew him. A great young man, an outstanding rugby player, a great son, grandson, brother, cousin, friend taken from us too soon. My thoughts go out to Hayley, Nick, Polly, Tom and the rest of the family.”

Dave Opieler said: “Lovely lad and always had the time of day for everyone.”

While Tim Hanks said: “You had grown to be an important member of Ross Rugby Club, a true clubman and true player. My thoughts and love go out to all your family, rest in peace Ollie.”