HAMPSHIRE'S sporting community has rallied around a popular rugby player who suffered a brain haemorrhage during training.

Messages of support flooded in for Eastleigh player Pete Noonan after he collapsed during training.

He has now left hospital and his club will now host fund-raising event to support the experienced player, who they have described as one of their "family".

The Bishopstoke Road club is holding a fund-raising event to support him after he suffered the brain haemorrhage a couple of weeks ago.

The popular player is out of hospital but will be unable to return to work for some time, so teammates, spectators, friends and officials at Eastleigh have rallied to his aid.

Messages of support have also flooded in from other clubs in the area who are all happy to help and sponsors and businesses are also keen to donate.

Vice captain Russell Smith said: “Eastleigh will be doing what they are good at... helping one of their own out.

“I am absolutely amazed at the response we have had, it’s just brilliant.”