COLCHESTER Rugby Club has announced the tragic death of its “legendary” manager Jon Smith.

Mr Smith oversaw the side’s success on the pitch at Raven Park and off it in his role as senior rugby chairman.

The club’s president Kieran Payne described him as “a wonderful man, the strong spine and emotional heartbeat of the club”.

Colchester top the Regional 1 South East league, having won all six of their games in a remarkable start to the season.

Gazette: Legendary - Colchester Rugby Club's manager Jon Smith has died, the club announcedLegendary - Colchester Rugby Club's manager Jon Smith has died, the club announced (Image: Colchester Rugby Club)

A statement from the club reads: “The whole Colchester rugby family is profoundly saddened by the passing of Jon Smith, the club’s senior rugby chairman and manager of the first team.

“Jon was a legendary figure at the club as coach, manager, mentor and friend.”

It continues: “He was a great friend to players, officials and supporters alike. The club extends its condolences to Jon’s family.

“There will be an opportunity for supporters to pay tribute to John at Saturday’s home match against Bedford Athletic.”

Fellow club president Maggie Whiteman told the Gazette how Mr Smith had a "great passion for rugby".

She added: "Jon was just simply one of the best human beings you could ever wish to meet.

"[He was] a great friend who had time for everyone, a man with a great passion for rugby who inspired and coached so many people but above all, a great family man both for his own children and the rugby family at Colchester RFC."

Tributes have also been shared on social media, with match reporter Edward Marriage stating it is “desperately sad news”.

Gazette: Poignant - tributes to Jon Smith will be paid during Colchester's match against Bedford Athletic on SaturdayPoignant - tributes to Jon Smith will be paid during Colchester's match against Bedford Athletic on Saturday (Image: Sam Barclay Photography)

He added: “Jon was a Colchester rugby stalwart and legend. And - more importantly - a lovely man.”

Mr Marriage said the much-loved manager "worked tirelessly for rugby at our level for so many years."

The impact of his death has been felt as far as Cardiff, with president of Taffswell Rugby Club Phil Steel Tweeting: "People of his ilk are the very lifeblood of the game".