A FLOOD of tributes have poured in for a popular Cirencester rugby player described as happy and fun loving by friends and family.

Ashley Scrivens, a player at Cirencester Rugby Football Club and the son of former Gloucester Rugby player Nigel Scrivens died from melanoma on Sunday aged 24.

His mother, Sharon Scrivens, said on Facebook: “It is with overwhelming sadness that today we lost the sunshine in our lives and possibly one of the happiest young men ever, he battled hard to rid the evil melanoma that invaded his body, but today he lost the battle. He died peacefully with his loving family at his side.”

Ashley moved up through the ranks at the rugby club from the junior ranks to the senior team and was much loved by everyone he played with.

Mike Timbrel, who used to coach Ashley at the rugby club from U12 to U18 level, said: “Ashley was always a willing volunteer. He was one of the lads of the group, he always wanted to be involved and wanted to give his time to the others. He was very much loved and respected by all the players that played with him and I would say that he will not only be sorely missed but fondly remembered by all that played with him and were involved with him.

“He loved the whole ethos of what the rugby club is about, which is it is very much a rugby club for families.”

Many friends of Ashley took to social media to pay loving tributes.

Hannah Sampson  said: “Totally devastated, heaven has gained a hero! Will hold onto all our school memories forever. R I P big man Ashley Scrivens sleep tight.

Another, Stuart Telling, said: “You beamed happiness to us all and lived life to the full. RIP but watch out heaven Ash is going to rock the place! My thoughts and prayers are with all the family xx“

James Fisher, captain of Cirencester rugby club, explained that Ashley was fun loving and always wanted to have a good time

 “We hit it off and stayed really good friends and we have done so much together,” said James who played with Ashley at junior level.”

“He was always the heart and soul of the party and if it wasn’t quite lively enough he would do something, whether it be buying a shot or getting people dancing.

“He just wanted to have a good time and he would be one of the guys that would  do anything to make sure that happened.

“We went on a lads holiday in 2008. We all went to Magaluf  for five or six days and we experienced some first times for him and me.”

He added that Ashley, a former Cirencester Deer Park, School pupil, was still joking just days before his death.

“One of the fantastic things that one of my friends told me was that Ashley said  that the funeral couldn’t be at Watermoor Church, it had to be at the Parish Church because he had too many friends.”