Tributes have flooded in for a young English rugby player with “a heart of gold” who has tragically lost his life in a motorway collision while on his way to training. Jacob Hardwick was heading to train with Leicestershire Under-20s on Tuesday evening when he became involved in the five-vehicle collision on the A46 in Leicester.

The 20-year-old, who was driving a Land Rover, was declared dead at the scene, with Leicestershire Police arresting a 53-year-old lorry driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before subsequently releasing him. The devastating news has sent shockwaves through Hardwick’s club, Southwell RUFC, and the wider rugby community, with tributes flooding in for the “well-loved” and “highly thought of” hooker, who had recently secured his place in the county squad.

In a statement, the club announced it would retire his number two shirt for the rest of the season, with a minute’s silence scheduled before its fixtures this weekend.

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“This is a post that no rugby club should ever have to write, but it is with immense sadness that we share the passing of Southwell RUFC 1st team hooker, Jacob George Hardwick,” the club statement read. “To say that Jacob was a popular teammate is an understatement and in a short period of time both Jacob and his family have become a huge part of our rugby club. Jacob had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room.

“His cheeky sense of humour gave both the changing room, and our first team as a whole, much needed perspective during the most serious of moments. As a player, Jacob was a modern day hooker who scored tries from all over the pitch.

“He provided a link between the forwards and backs and had an uncanny knack of popping up to receive that final try scoring pass, something that was not lost on his teammates!

“Jacob had recently broken in to the Leicestershire county programme and was highly thought of by both his coaches in the county set up, and also by our friends at @leicester_forest_rfc, Jacob’s junior club. Jacob was a devoted brother to Sam and Ben and a much loved son to Ian and Sarah. His passing will leave a massive hole in many people’s lives and the changing rooms will not be the same without him.”

Leicestershire Rugby Union also honoured the 20-year-old, posting on social media: “We are devastated to share the tragic news that on Tuesday evening, Jacob Hardwick died in a road traffic accident on his way to training for Leicestershire U20s.

“Jacob was a well loved part of the Leicestershire representative squad and played for both U18s and in last years senior mens squad. The players, coaches and rugby friends share their condolences to Jacobs family in what it is a shocking and unimaginable time.

“Before moving to Southwell Rugby Club, Jacob played his junior rugby at Syston RFC and later moved to Leicester Forest Rugby Club. Rest in peace Jacob. Your smile, charm and outstanding rugby skills will be long remembered here in Leicestershire.”

Officers confirmed five vehicles were involved in the collision on the south-west bound carriageway of the A46, shortly before the Beaumont Leys/Anstey junction, on Tuesday. One man, in his 30s, has been treated for life-threatening injuries in hospital.

Alongside the Land Rover Defender driven by Hardwick, a lorry, a black Kia Ceed, a blue Volkswagen Sharan and a Volkswagen Transporter were involved in the incident.

Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash and have urged anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Information can be passed to the force by calling 101 and quoting incident 555 of February 17.

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