Tributes have been paid to former Bristol rugby captain Matt Salter who has died aged 49.
Salter played for the club twice and was captain between 2004 and 2008, and was named in the Guinness Premier League Dream Team in 2006.
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Salter retired from the professional game and turned to coaching, serving as director of rugby at Clifton RFC and Clifton College. Details of his death have not been released.
In a tribute posted on its website, the Clifton football team said: “As a player, captain and coach, he [Salter] An inspiration to countless teammates, players and students, his passion for the game of rugby and helping others develop through the game was clear to all who worked with him. “
Clifton Rugby added: “Matt will be greatly missed throughout Clifton and the wider Bristol rugby community.”
Bristol Bears and rugby historian Mark Hoskins said: “He was an outstanding leader at Bristol, captaining the club for four seasons and there was no doubt that he led the team from the front.”
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“I remember one game at Gloucester, Bristol had not won for about 12 years, and towards the end of the game he had to leave the pitch because he had blood on his face.
“But a few minutes later he came back because another player was injured and he is that kind of player, he gives 100 per cent for the team and is a very, very great leader,” he added.
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Salter continues to coach at Bristol after retiring [BBC]
Bristol Bears (formerly Bristol Rugby Football Club) released a statement on social media saying the club was “deeply saddened by the passing of legendary former captain Matt Salter”.
“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone at Clifton Football.”
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While at Bristol, Salter also spent a season at Leeds Tykes.
“Everyone at Leeds Tykes is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Matt Salter,” the club said in a statement on social media, offering condolences to his loved ones.
James Phillips was captained by Salter at Bristol and is now forwards coach at Leeds Tykes. He said he was “devastated” to hear of Salter’s death.
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