David Tait: Ex-Rugby Star In Deadly Fall

Former international rugby player David Tait has died aged 25 after falling from an apartment block in Hong Kong.

His rugby career was cut short by injuries, and he then became a corporate finance manager for multinational firm KPMG.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family after his father Campbell Tait, a barrister and judge, was found hanged at his home in Sale in 2004.

David Tait, a back-row forward for Sale Sharks in Greater Manchester, was described as a "gifted and popular young man" and "a talented rugby player".

He was also "extremely and bright and successful" in his life outside the sport.

Tait spent five years with Sale, who signed him as a teenager, and was part of England's training squad for the 2008-09 International Rugby Board world sevens series, but did not play.

While at the club - where he usually played Number Eight - he was selected for the England Under-20s, but never played for that side either.

He later represented Scotland at the 2009 Dubai Sevens.

He made 40 appearances for the Sharks over five years. But his Premiership career came to an abrupt end in 2010 after club bosses let him go following a series of injuries.

Tait's family issued a statement which read: "The family is devastated and we would ask you to please respect our privacy."

Harlequins and England player Danny Care tweeted: "Couldn't believe the news y'day. Lost a good friend and an absolute legend of a bloke David Tait. RIP mate. Sending all my love to his family."

Wasps rugby player James Haskell tweeted: "Very shocked to wake up to the news of former Sale player David Taits death. Very sad news. Top player and man."

Adam Powell of Saracens tweeted: "So sad to hear about Dave Tait. Absolutely gutted!"

Northampton Saints player Ryan Lamb tweeted: "Terrible news about the death of David Tait. Top player and a top bloke, had some awesome times playing through the age groups with him. Thoughts go out to his family and to the sale lads in such a bad time. #RIP"

Danny Cipriani described it as "devastating news!" and tweeted: "Horrible news about David Tait, he was a legend of a bloke and very talented. Thoughts with his family sending my love."

Rugby Players' Association chief executive officer Damian Hopley said: "The rugby community will be shattered by the passing of such a gifted and popular young man who was respected by everyone he played alongside.

"He wasn't simply a talented rugby player, he was also extremely bright and successful in his life outside of rugby.

"We will do everything we can to help support David's family and the players who played alongside him. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "David is well remembered by staff at the RFU as a talented player who represented England whole-heartedly in our age grade sides. He will be greatly missed by the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time."

Tait's death is also the second in a year to rock Sale Sharks.

Former player Selorm Kuadey, who was 24, died in an apparent suicide in January. He was picked for the England Under-20s side, but retired the same year as Tait due to long-term injuries.