TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented young rugby player who was killed in a crash near his Hampshire home.

Police were called to West Lane, Hayling Island, just before 7.30am last Saturday after a black Mazda 2 collided with a tree.

The driver, Cameron Pierre Knouwds, 20, of St Mary's Road, Hayling Island, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement his family said: "Cameron was born in South Africa, leaving for the UK when he was just six months, and settled in Hayling Island, attending school at Horndean Infant and Junior Schools and then Horndean Technology College.

"A passionate rugby fan, Cam took his Springbok spirit into flying fearlessly down the wing for Havant Rugby Football Club.

"He was well known and highly regarded at the club, playing as a junior from 2015 then later at the Havant Academy during 2017/18.

"Cam loved to visit his family abroad, often journeying to the Netherlands to visit his grandparents, and returned to South Africa a few years ago to meet some of his extended relations for the first time.

"Cam was about to embark on a new adventure, moving to new accommodation in Somerset where he would have continued his third year at college studying electrical installation.

"Cam was dearly loved by his family and friends, highly regarded and respected by peers, tutors and people that crossed his path.

"He will be missed for his deadpan humour and no-nonsense approach to life, a kind soul who loved animals and with never a bad word for anyone."

Anyone with information about the crash can call Hampshire police on 101, quoting reference number 44200393189.