A popular former coach at Malvern RFC, Rudy Smith, has died, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Rudy was part of what was arguably the most successful period for Malvern between 1995-2002, where they gained a number of promotions and won the prestigious North Midlands Cup in 2002.

A statement from the club said: "It was with great sadness that the club learnt of the death last week of our former coach Rudy Smith.

"Rudy will be remembered as an outstanding coach whose contribution to our club was immense but also as a delightful, warm and engaging man whose smile would lift your soul and whose laughter would fill the room.

"Our thoughts are with Rudy’s wife Evette and their children and grandchildren at this sad time."

There will be a minute's applause for Rudy on Saturday ahead of Malvern's Midlands 1 West league game with Kenilworth at Spring Lane.