HARLOW RUGBY Club has announced the passing away of one of their young players.

A statement on the website states:

“It is with great sadness, shock and bewilderment that we report the death of former Harlow Youth player Jake Taylor at the age of 17.

Jake, better known as Polish to his team mates, passed away earlier this week following a short illness.

Jake joined the club as a 15 year old and played through the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. A loveable, likeable prop who was always willing to listen and learn, he will be sorely missed.

We have passed on condolences to Jake’s family on behalf of all those at the club and received the following note from his Mum: “We are having to wait to find out why he died, he was ill with glandular fever but it was more than that and he was taken so suddenly, life is so unfair he was just starting out in life. I will let you know the details when I do but to let you know Jake would be so made up that the lads are thinking about him”

“In Jake’s memory the under 17/18 Colts will hold a minutes silent reflection prior to the KO of their game on Sunday.