A RUGBY club cancelled its game last weekend following the death of a popular player’s father.

Malvern Rugby Football Club cancelled its game against Hereford on Saturday (March 2) which followed the announcement of the death of Steven Batty, whose son Dan plays for the team.

Steven was last seen leaving his home on Friday in Colwall Green, near Malvern.

The 52-year-old’s body was discovered on Saturday morning.

A spokesman from Malvern Rugby Football Club said: “The club shared on social media the appeal to find Steven and made people aware of his disappearance.

“Our thoughts are with his family. We will offer all the help and support to the family at this time.

“Steven Batty was involved with part of the junior coaching team. He was known to many people and everyone described him as a warm person.

“Everyone is very upset about it and it has shaken everyone to the core.

“Due to the mental affect it had on each player, the club made an immediate decision to cancel the game.

"The opposition team, Hereford was understanding and the game has been postponed. There will be arrangements to re-play the game in the future.

“The rugby union and also the rugby referees were supportive and everyone respected the decision to cancel the game.”

Malvern RFC also tweeted on Saturday to announced the cancellation of the matches.

“Today’s fixtures are cancelled as a mark of respect to the Batty family," the tweet said. "Massive thank you to @Hereford_RFC @EveshamRFC @NorthMidsRFU @nmrefs for the collective understanding at the saddest of times. #RugbyFamily”

West Mercia Police also tweeted to express condolences over the death of Steven and also thank people for their help during the search for him.

“So sad. Thank you so much to all of the players, members and friends of @MalvernRugby who helped in the search for Steve,” the police said.

Mr Batty's wife Liz paid tribute to the emergency services and members of the public who joined in the search for her husband, thanking walkers, friends from Malvern Rugby Club and Mountain Rescue workers who helped try to find him.

A spokesman from West Mercia Police added: “Formal identification is yet to take place but the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

“We would like to thank the public and the media for their help in sharing an earlier appeal.”

See malverngazett.co.uk for updates on this sad news.