TRIBUTES have been paid to David Smith, who was killed in a crash outside Sixways stadium.

The 59-year-old from Chippenham, Wiltshire, died after his Volkswagen Golf was in collision with a black Jaguar on the 4538, Pershore Lane, at about 2.15pm on Saturday.

Mr Smith was president of the Somerset County Rugby Football Union (SCRFU) and was travelling to Sixways, where he to due to be an assessor at the National Three South West match between Worcester Wanderers and Newton Abbot.

A statement on the website of the Somerset Rugby Referees Society, of which he was also a member, said: “David has been a member of the society for many years as a referee, assessor and committee member. He devoted his leisure hours to rugby and in particular referee development.

“It is through his hard work as the society exchange secretary that with careful thought of what referee should officiate at what game that the society has been successful in the progression of its members.

“David was a member of the County Management Committee and had recently been accepted onto the RFU National Disciplinary Committee, of which he was extremely proud.

“David will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences go out to his family.”

Mr Smith was trapped in his car following the crash and, although ambulance crews attempted to treat him, he went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene.

The driver of the Jaguar – also a 59-year-old man – suffered fractures to his ankles as well as injuries to his hip, wrist and pelvis. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Anyone with any information about the crash should call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 365S 121013.