A former Worcester Warriors player has died aged 52, of a suspected heart attack.

Dave Sims played for the Warriors between 1999 and 2002, arriving from Gloucester where he enjoyed a successful 12 years at the club.

The second row player's  friends, loved ones and fans in the rugby community have been sharing their condolences on Twitter.

During his first season with the Warriors, Sims had a spell on loan at Bedford Blues but was voted Player of the Season for 2000/01 when he returned.

He represented the National Divisions XV against South Africa at Sixways and Australia at Welford Road. Sims captained the representative XV against the Wallabies.

After leaving Warriors, Sims played for Exeter Chiefs between 2002 and 2005, and later had stints with Launceston, Taunton and Wellington as well as a spell as head coach of Withycombe.

Sims also played for the Barbarians, captained Gloucestershire to the County Championship title in 2002 and played Divisional rugby for the South West.