Rugby Lions head coach Rob Walton has died after being hit by a "freak" wave while on holiday with family in France.
The 36-year-old, who played at Championship level before becoming a player-coach at Rugby Lions, was swimming off the coast of Labenne when the tragedy occurred.
According to BBC News, friends claimed that it was a "freak" giant wave that killed Walton, who was part of the Pertemps Bees side that defeated London Wasps in the 2004 Powergen Cup quarter-final.
A statement from Rugby Lions, who often referred to the coach by his nickname 'Yoghurt', said: "It is with great sadness to announce the death of Lions head coach and friend Rob Walton who passed away yesterday whilst on holiday in France with his family.
"Yoghurt was instrumental in the rebuilding of Lions and his hard work, determination and sense of humour will be sadly missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time. He may have passed away but he will not be forgotten. Once a Lion, always a Lion."
Walton was father to four children.
