London - Former Sale Sharks and England Under-19 and Under-20 international wing Selorm Kuadey has died aged 24 after apparently taking his own life his former club announced on Monday.
The Ukraine-born flier looked set for a highly-productive playing career until he was forced to retire in 2010 after suffering two long-term injuries.
Kuadey - who was at Sale for five years playing 16 times for the senior side - shrugged off that blow to go on and get a first-class honours degree in human biology and infectious diseases, and had become a business manager.
"Everyone at Sale Sharks passes their deepest sympathies to Selorm's family and friends at this very difficult and upsetting time," said Sale chief executive Mick Hogan.
"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."
Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Rugby Players' Association, paid tribute to Kuadey.
"We are all shocked to the core by this tragic news about Selorm," said Hopley, who also saw a promising career end prematurely at the age of 27.
"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," added Hopley, who was capped three times by England.