The rugby world has been rocked with news of the untimely passing of former Sale Sharks winger Selorm Kuadey after he apparently took his own life last week.

Ukraine born, Selorm spent five years with Sale Sharks and represented England at Under 19 and Under 20 age grade. He was forced to call time on a burgeoning rugby career through injury in 2010.

Selorm went on to achieve a first class honours degree in human biology and infectious diseases, and had recently begun his post rugby career.

Sale Sharks issued a statement today saying that the club was 'shocked and deeply saddened' to learn that Kuadey died last week. Sale CEO Michael Hogan continued “'Everyone at Sale Sharks passes their deepest sympathies to Selorm's family and friends at this very difficult and upsetting time.

'Selorm was a very popular young man and a wonderfully talented rugby player.

'We are devastated to learn about his tragic death and the club is offering our full support to his family, friends and former team mates during this deeply traumatic period.'

Damien Hopley, CEO of the Rugby Players Association also paid tribute to Kuadey.

"We are all shocked to the core by this tragic news about Selorm. He was an outstanding professional and brilliant young man who was so popular and respected by his team mates and peers across the game."

"On behalf of all the RPA members, we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this terrible time."

Premiership Rugby, the umbrella organisation of the clubs in the Aviva Premiership, today also expressed its sadness at the death of Selorm Kuadey.

"It is tragic to lose such a gifted young man from within the rugby family," said Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty. "Selorm will be sadly missed and on behalf of Premiership Rugby and all its clubs, we extend our deepest sympathies to Selorm's family and friends at this very difficult time".

The RFU paid tribute to a player who won many admirers for his performances for England at Under 19 and Under 20 levels, as well as England Sevens squad during the 2006-07 season.

RFU Acting CEO Stephen Brown said: “Selorm was a popular young man who won the respect of his peers and impressed everyone he came into contact with while representing England. He will be greatly missed by the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time.”

There are many organisations that can help individuals who may be feeling depressed or suicidal some of which are listed below.

www.suicideprevention.ie

www.samaritans.org

Other websites and points of contact

Note: The links are provided as a convenience only and should not be taken as an endorsement of any website, content, product or service. Visits to linked websites are at your own risk.

www.3ts.ie: helping to reduce suicide through research, intervention and support.

www.aware.ie: Aware is a voluntary organization formed in 1985 by a group of interested patients, relatives and mental health professionals, whose aims are to assist those who are directly affected by depression.

www.childline.ie: Childline Online is the website but children and young people can also contact Childline through a free, confidential helpline number 1800 66 66 66.

www.console.ie: Console is a registered charity supporting and helping people bereaved through suicide. Console promotes positive mental health within the community in an effort to reduce the high number of attempted suicides and deaths through suicide.

www.ias.ie: website of The Irish Association of Suicidology. The site contains information on suicide, for the suicidal and help for those bereaved by suicide.

www.livinglinks.ie: providing practical help, information and support to persons bereaved by suicide in Ireland.

www.mentalhealthireland.ie: Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organisation which aims to promote positive mental health and to actively support persons with a mental illness, their families and carers by identifying their needs and advocating their rights.

www.nosp.ie: the National Office for Suicide Prevention website is an information resource and is not intended to provide crisis support or referral.

www.nsbsn.org: website of the National Suicide Bereavement Support Network. It has a 'Group Directory' and a 'European Directory' of support networks.

www.pieta.ie: Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide.

www.SpunOut.ie: Ireland's national youth website. SpunOut.ie is a youth-led media initiative covering all aspects of youth info, health, lifestyle and activism.

www.teenline.ie: Teen-Line Ireland's website. It provides information about their freephone helpline and other support services. If you feel alone, worried or distressed or just need someone to talk to, you can call their confidential helpline on 1800 833 634.

www.thirdage-ireland.com: Third Age Active Retirement Group activities, information and resources for retired older people and senior citizens.

www.headline.ie: Headline is Ireland's national media monitoring programme, working to promote responsible and accurate coverage of mental health and suicide related issues within the Irish media.

We are all respecting the family's privacy at this difficult time.