Nicola Sturgeon and Douglas Ross have led tributes to a ‘rugby daft’ player who died during a Scottish Parliament game.
David Hill passed away while playing against Ireland's parliamentary team - Dáil and Seanad XV - on Saturday in Dublin.
Dozens of heartfelt tributes have poured in for the “kind and well-liked” Scottish Parliament RFC player after his tragic passing was announced.
A statement issued by the club read: “Holyrood Rugby are in mourning following the tragic passing of David Hill during our Parliamentary game against Dáil and Seanad XV.
“David was an architect of the revitalised Holyrood RFC, a great team-mate and tourist & of course, a man who loved his rugby.
“Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this most challenging of times. We would like to thank our friends at Dáil and Seanad XV for their assistance and support, we truly appreciate it.”
They shared a picture of David with Scottish Rugby's head coach Gregor Townsend.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon shared the tweet and added: “This is so terribly sad.
“My deepest condolences to David’s family, friends and colleagues - and of course to his Holyrood Rugby teammates who I know are all deeply shocked and heartbroken.”
Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Douglas Ross added: “Our whole party is shocked and saddened by David’s tragic passing.
“He was a kind, generous, well-liked and highly respected part of our team. We will all miss him dearly. All our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Conservative MSP Jamie Greene wrote: “It is with the greatest sadness, shock and regret that I share the news of the sudden and tragic passing of my Head of Office, David Hill.
“David was a friend, colleague and confidant of so many in the Scottish Parliament over the years. No least to me personally. He loved his politics, but he loved his rugby more.
“The whole parliament, my party and the whole rugby community is deeply saddened by this awful news today, and our condolences lie entirely with his family, friends and colleagues.
“I am there wholeheartedly for them all in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead and we all request some space and time to deal with what's happened.
“So please also give the rest of my office team some time and space too. Rest in peace David. You will be missed so much by so many."
And Scottish Rugby added: “We are shocked and saddened by David's passing today.
“Described as 'rugby daft' by his family David played for Dumfries Saints and was a regular at Scotland internationals.
“The condolences of everyone at Scottish Rugby go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
