Tributes have been paid after a promising young rugby player who starred for Haddington RFC last season was killed in a road accident in his native South Africa at the weekend.

Armandt Pryor spent the season playing for Haddington and returned home just six weeks ago to spend time with his pregnant girlfriend.

The 23-year-old was killed in his home city, Pretoria, after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car on Sunday afternoon.

The news has left members at Haddington RFC devastated, with the club’s president, Peter Brownlee, leading the tributes.

Mr Brownlee told the Courier: “He wasn’t even here for a year, but he made his mark on the club in a big way.

“He fitted in seamlessly and I’ve never met anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

“He brought back a lot of the old-fashioned values of what rugby is about – commitment, dedication and a real team ethos; he was a real team player.” Outgoing head coach Bryan Craig also paid tribute.

He said: “Armandt was a friend to everyone. He told me that his dad had persuaded him to come play in Scotland as it was the type of bare-knuckle rugby he would relish and he relished it alright!

“The boy made such a difference to our team when he played. “I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say he was man of the match in almost every game he played for us. “He brought friendship, honesty and integrity with him, which hopefully has rubbed off on other players and people he met. “He was a gem of a lad who had so much more to give the world.

“I am glad I knew Armandt. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.” Armandt arrived in Haddington having made a number of appearances in the Currie Cup, South African club rugby’s premier competition, and the Vodacom Cup, the second tier, in 2014.

And he built on that reputation, despite the Neilson Park club struggling this season.

He had accepted a contract with New Zealand province Canterbury, which was due to start later this year.

During his time at Neilson Park, he scored four tries in 16 appearances, before missing the end of the season to return home and spend time with his family.

Close friend Alex Cunningham paid tribute on Facebook. He said: “I cannot put into words our friendship, we spoke about anything and everything.

“Mostly it was him showing me weird South African YouTube clips.

“There is only so much I can fit into a status as I am in such shock; however, my thoughts are with his family.

“I miss you boet [South African slang for brother].” Tributes followed from rugby clubs around the country, with Dunbar and Musselburgh among the first to pay their respects on social media.

A message from Shona Stott, of Musselburgh RFC, said: “So sad. His family and extended rugby family are in my thoughts”, while a message posted on Facebook from Dunbar RFC said: “So sad to hear the news. Sincere condolences to Armandt’s family from all at Dunbar RFC.” In a statement on Haddington RFC’s website, the club said: “All at Haddington RFC were deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of Armandt’s death yesterday, after he was involved in an RTC in his home city of Pretoria, South Africa.” Mr Brownlee also confirmed the club were “exploring every possibility” of having a representative at the funeral, which is held today (Friday).

He added: “In tribute to the guy, he brought a lot to the club – old-fashioned values that make the game what it is.

“There will be a wreath from the club at his funeral.

“I am also going to write a letter to send to the family, and we’re going to speak to Donald or Bob Snodgrass, and see whether their dad [ex-rugby club president] David is maybe out there in South Africa and see if we can have representation at the funeral.”