A RUGBY player has died as a result of an injury during a game today.

Warringah Rats player Lachlan Ward, 25, was competing in a fifth grade match against Gordon at Pittwater Rugby Park when police and paramedics were called about 1.45pm.

Spectators saw the player clutch his chest after a regulation collision, moments before he collapsed.

Attempts to resuscitate Mr Ward were made at the scene but were unsuccessful.

media_camera Warringah Rats player Lachlan Ward, 25, died after collapsing. Picture: Facebook

At 3pm, the Warringah Rats Official Supporters Page posted on their Facebook page: “Warringah Rugby Club advises that due to an incident involving an injury to a player during a game played earlier today, all games at Rat Park have been cancelled.”

Warringah’s first four grades were scheduled to play Randwick at Rat Park this afternoon but the clubs agreed to postpone the fixtures.

media_camera People gathered at the park where Mr Ward collapsed. Picture: Jenny Evans

media_camera Mr Ward could not be resuscitated at the oval. Picture: Top Notch Video

media_camera A man and woman hug at the scene. Picture: Martin Lange

Randwick official Nick Ryan said spectators and players at the ground “were all numb”.

“It’s the last thing you would ever expect and it’s tragic beyond words,” Mr Ryan said.

“It makes no sense that a young guy like that could die playing the game we all love.

“This is just one of the saddest things to happen to a tight-knit club like Warringah.”

Warringah Rugby Club advises that due to an incident involving an injury to a player during a game played earlier... https://t.co/0HQJeD4JCr — Rats (@Warringahrugby) June 10, 2017

In a written statement, New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) extended its “deepest sympathy” to the Mr Ward’s family and to all the members of the club.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine how he died.