HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the funeral of a popular rugby player tomorrow.

And to make the occasion a celebration of life, black is banned for Wheatley Rugby Club player Jason Laman.

The 42-year-old self-employed builder collapsed and died moments after setting up a try for his team during a game on January 5.

His eldest daughter Chloe, 22, said Oxford Crematorium would be packed as family and friends pay their respects to the father-of-three.

She said: “We have said to people not to wear black, but the brighter the better.

“He was loved by so many people that Wheatley will probably be empty as everyone in the village knew him.

“We are expecting more than 300 people.”

The funeral begins at 11.15am and is followed by a wake at Wheatley Rugby Club. The family has asked for any donations to be made to Forces’ charity Help for Heroes.

Mr Laman, who was Wheatley’s Clubman of the Year, had run from halfway to help set up a try.

Players tried to revive him before paramedics arrived, but he was pronounced dead at hospital.