HENLEY Wanderers cancelled all their fixtures on Saturday after one of their most popular players, David 'DJ' Jones was killed in a car accident.

Jones, 31, (right) died on Friday evening while on his way from work to the gym in Henley.

He joined Wanderers in 2001, the year after their formation, and became one of their central characters as a player, team manager and fund-raiser.

Wanderers chairman David Lewis said: "His role in life was to make people laugh and see the good in every situation and everyone.

"DJ will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, his partner Jo and friends."

The club released the following statement this week: David Jones ('DJ') It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of Henley Wanderers' most popular players, David 'DJ' Jones, in a car accident on Friday evening, while on his way from work to the gym in Henley.

DJ had been with the Wanderers since 2001, coming to us from Windsor Rugby Club.

As the Wanderers only started the year before he joined, it meant that he had been with the club almost since the beginning and was one of its' central characters.

DJ first started playing rugby at Windsor Boys' School, where he also had the chance to get involved in rowing.

This culminated in him rowing for the Great Britain Junior Team in Switzerland in 1993 and winning the Fawley Challenge Cup at the Henley Regatta in 1994.

Although only 31 years of age, DJ, along with his older brother Paul, had built up a very successful business, sourcing and distributing IT equipment for companies.

He was equally committed to rugby, playing for both the Wanderers' first and second teams since joining and also acting as team manager for the seconds more recently.

He had also accepted the role of players' representative. As a fundraiser he was always there for the club.

All Wanderers' games were cancelled on Saturday as a mark of respect to DJ and to reflect the great loss felt within the club.

As many players, partners and friends gathered on Saturday afternoon, they reflected on their fellow Wanderer as someone who was above all decent, always ready to help and who never spoke ill of anyone.

His role in life was to make people laugh and see the good in every situation and everyone.

DJ will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, his partner Jo and friends.