French rugby is mourning the death of a young player during a Second Division friendly match on Friday.

Louis Fajfrowski, a 21-year-old centre with Pro D2 outfit Aurillac, collapsed in the changing room after being substituted an hour into a home match against Rodez.

According to reports in France, Fajfrowski fell victim to a heavy tackle and needed help to get to his feet in 60th minute.

He was able to walk back to the changing room unaided but after losing consciousness several times he died at around 7pm despite the presence of the emergency services.

Stade Aurillacois wrote on Twitter : "Stade Aurillacois sadly confirms the passing of youth player Louis Fajfrowski. Louis died after feeling faint in the dressing room during a friendly match.

"Stade Aurillacois is in mourning and everyone at the club send their heartfelt condolences to his family."

Fajfrowski had joined Stade Aurillacois in 2015 after three seasons with Montpellier Herault's youth team. He made 20 appearances in Pro D2 over the last two seasons.

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The French Rugby Federation has expressed its "immense sadness" after learning of the tragedy and offered its "total support" to the family and club of the young player.

A spokesman for the local prosecutor's office said: "We will find out why he died and if the tackle provoked his death."

A number of top French clubs, including Stade Francais, Toulon and Racing 92 have expressed their condolences as well as former France head coach Bernard Laporte

Tributes have also flooded in from around the world.