A Norfolk rugby club has paid tribute to “player and friend” Henry Barringer, who has died aged 35.

The Holt Rugby Football Club third team player and father to a two-year-old son died on Monday (May 13) after an illness. 

The club paid tribute to Mr Barringer, describing him as “a warrior on the pitch” and “an absolute gentleman”, who will “be sorely missed by so many”.

Eastern Daily Press: Henry Barringer has died after illness, aged 35Henry Barringer has died after illness, aged 35 (Image: Holt Rugby Football Club)

“Yesterday the club lost a player and a friend”, the Holt Rugby Football Club statement on the club’s website, said.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts to have to report on the passing of our good friend and 3s legend, Henry Barringer, after illness.

“All of you who knew Henry will remember a warrior on the pitch, willing to put himself anywhere and everywhere for the badge.

“More importantly, he was an absolute gentleman who loved his rugby and shooting.

“Henry was only 35 and leaves behind Becca and Eddy, two. He will be sorely missed by so many.

“Funeral details once known will follow for anyone who may wish to attend."

Eastern Daily Press: Henry BarringerHenry Barringer (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography)

Chris Harrison, president of Holt Rugby Football Club, added: "On behalf of the club, he was an extremely well thought of young man, who was popular with everyone at the club. 

"We want to send our deepest condolences to Henry's family. For a young man to pass away at 35 is just tragic.

"He was a great ambassador for rugby who served Holt Rugby Club's third team really well. He was such a nice, great young man." 

Mr Barringer worked for Oakbank Game and Conservation Ltd, heading the Cambridgeshire-based firm's stewardship and conservation advisory division since September 2022.

The company is a leading supplier of seeds, plants and advice for the creation of wildlife habitat on farmland. 

Director Tim Furbank said: "I had known Henry for a few years before he joined us and it was clear the high regard in which he was held in the farming and landowning community.

"His drive, passion and general joie de vivre were infectious and I was delighted when he agreed to join us at Oakbank.

"Henry came in to manage a young and dynamic team and he was really starting to drive the business forward. 

"Everyone at Oakbank is devastated at his loss, but our loss is nothing compared to that of his family."

He had previously worked as a food and farming consultant as part of the rural team at Savills in Norwich for four years, from 2018 to 2022.