A rugby player killed himself after suffering a series of head injuries playing the sport, an inquest heard today.

Former club captain Cae Trayhern was found dead at home by his distraught parents who blamed his tragic death on the "numerous concussions" he suffered while playing.

Superfit Mr Trayhern, who was 37, was knocked out at least 11 times during his 20-year career including leading Welsh teams including Newport Gwent Dragons and Pontypool.

His mother Althea Clarke told how her son was in good physical health but his mental health deteriorated after he retired from the game in 2013.

Mr Clarke said: "Some of the concussions were so severe her could not even remember where he lived or where he worked.

"It took months for parts of his memory to return.

"I have no doubt that the injuries contributed to his mental problems and led to his death."

Credit: Wales News Service

His worried parents found him asphyxiated in his bedroom at his home in Blackwood, Gwent, after mental health workers failed to locate him.

They found self-employed gas engineer Mr Trayhern, who had split from his long term partner, lying dead in his bedroom with a farewell note saying "I love you all".

He had been referred to local mental health services after a nervous breakdown just before he was found dead. But the hearing was told he did not want to go to hospital.

Senior Gwent coroner David Bowen said: "He had been suffering mental health issues and was found by his concerned parents."

Mr Bowen recorded that Mr Trayhern took his own life in June.