AN amateur rugby league player who died during a match suffered from acute cardiac failure, his club has confirmed.

Dad-of-three Adam Cooper, who played for Leigh East ARLFC for three seasons from 2011 to 2013, collapsed in Culcheth Eagles' away game at Runcorn ARLFC on Saturday, July 1.

Paramedics found him unconscious but were unable to save him.

A spokesman for Culcheth Eagles said: “The cause of Adam's death has now been confirmed as acute cardiac failure.

“This could have happened at any time and is in no way related to the game he was playing in at the time of his sudden and unexpected passing.

“We would again like to thank everyone for their messages of support and sympathy and the donations to the JustGiving page.”

More than £11,000 has been donated to an online appeal to support his family.

A minute’s silence was observed before every rugby league game across all competitions at the weekend in memory of Adam.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/culchethcarney2017.