Tributes have been paid to a ‘brave’ rugby player who has died after being diagnosed with a serious health issue after he collapsed at the gym.
Calvin Nap, 31, was sent for scans in 2022 after his mystery collapse for what he originally thought was a pulled muscle.
However, tests later showed he had a deadly brain tumour, leading him to battle against the condition for two years using chemotherapy and other treatments.
Calvin, who managed his own gym, had been receiving a new vaccine called DCVax-L, after well-wishers raised £200,000 to help pay for it.
But his former club Llandaff RFC announced the ex-scrumhalf’s death in a Facebook post – and tributes flooded in from former teammates.
Calvin Nap, 31, has died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022
Calvin (pictured playing for Llandaff RFC) was sent for scans in 2022 after his mystery collapse for what he originally thought was a pulled muscle
Calvin’s former club Llandaff RFC announced the ex-scrumhalf’s death in a Facebook post – and tributes flooded in from former teammates
The club said: ‘Llandaff RFC are devastated to announce that our former player & dear friend Calvin Nap has sadly passed away,’ wrote the club on Facebook. ‘Calvin came through all our age groups M&J, Youth and Seniors until he stopped playing due to injury.
‘Words cannot describe how hard this is to process for everyone who knew Calvin. The whole of Llandaff RFC send their love and support to the Nap family in this extremely difficult time.’
One teammate said: ‘Sad day today* one loving memory I have was Calvin’s ability to make other team-mates feel welcome and at home, even during the short time I was part of the team. My sincere condolences to the family and the team.
Another said: ‘He was an excellent player and more importantly a beautiful, kind and decent man. Life is very unfair. Lots of love to all his family and friends.’
A third said: ‘Such devastating news. Calv was the nicest lad with the heart of a lion. Great player as well. Thoughts are with his family,’ said another.’
Speaking ahead of a fundraising event to help raise money for his treatment, friend Tom Grimes said: ‘He was a really good rugby player. Really talented, one of the best nines the boys have said they’ve ever seen. He’s a scrum-half, and he’s a brave player.’
