TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented sportsman who has tragically died, aged 27.

Aiden Hoenigmann represented Ross High RFC on the rugby field and also played for Tranent and Preston Village Cricket Club.

Both clubs took to social media yesterday (Monday) to pay tribute to him.

The rugby club said: “We are so dreadfully sad to let our members and friends know that our club captain, Aiden Hoenigmann, has passed away at the age of only 27.

“An irregular heartbeat starved his brain of oxygen for 45 minutes on Thursday morning and he has been in a coma till this morning.

“The only positive is that multiple donors will benefit from his young, fit and healthy organs.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to Aiden's partner, family and friends.

“Aiden played throughout our youth section, rising to 1st XV player, and club captain.

“A hard-working player, a harder-working clubperson and captain.

“He will be missed by everyone associated with Ross High RFC.”

Rob Brown, vice-president of rugby at the Tranent club, described the number eight as "an impressive character".

He told the Courier: "He was the driving force behind our team.

"He was a leader, he was committed, energetic and responsible for keeping the team together in a difficult season.

"Also, he did a lot of stuff way over and above what a captain would be expected to do.

"Last season, without a head coach, he virtually ran the coaching sessions.

"He was quite a remarkable character really, which makes it tougher."

The cricket club also offered kind words in memory of their former player.

They wrote: "It is hard to forget someone who gave so much to remember.

“Sadly, Aiden passed away this morning.

“The club are devastated by the loss of our 2019 club captain.”

Councillor Lachlan Bruce, who represents the Preston Seton Gosford ward, was among those paying tribute.

He had played alongside Aiden on the cricket field and said: "He was an outstanding young man, a proper leader at a young age.

"He was a great sportsman and it is just a complete tragedy that he has been taken away from his family.

"It is unbelievable."