RUGBY games are being held in Melksham and Colerne over the next two weeks in memory of a local player who collapsed and died during a match.

Former Wiltshire Police officer Paul McQuillan died last November after he had come off the pitch with 20 minutes to go while playing for Melksham RFC 2nd XV against Alfred’s Nomads 2nd XV at Marlborough.

Mr McQuillan, 41, of Cornflower Way, Melksham, was found collapsed in the changing room by team mates after the match ended. He died before paramedics could airlift him to hospital in Swindon.

The first match in his memory will be held at Melksham RFC on Saturday, August 11, kick off 3pm.

The club will host an inter-club match, with players wearing Melksham and Colerne shirts, to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

There will also be a raffle and the unveiling of a bench in his memory.

Melksham RFC spokesman Andy Cadwallader said: “The day will be an opportunity to have a game of rugby and share a drink with each other in memory of Paul.”

The second memorial match will take place at Colerne RFC on Sunday, August 19, kick off 3pm. It will feature an all-stars rugby game consisting of past and present Bath RFC players and Colerne RFC members.

The visiting XV will include Todd Blackadder, the director of Bath Rugby, Ollie Barkley, Kevin Yates, David Hilton, Matt Perry, Barry Trevaskis and Ryan Davis.

John Hutchinson, of Colerne RFC, said: “Paul was a lovely chap and a family man.

“He was a great rugby man, on and off the pitch. It was a shock to hear he had died and a great loss to the rugby community.”