Tributes have been paid to a former Hendon rugby club captain who was a “born leader”.

John Ryan, of Colindale, died last week aged 51 after suffering from motor neurone disease.

He leaves his wife Jackie and two children, Sean and Kiera.

A construction worker, Mr Ryan played as a scrum half and served as captain of Hendon RFC for seven seasons in the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite being unable to play the last few years, he remained heavily involved with the club as the fundraising manager, drawing on his wide connections throughout Hendon and Colindale.

Hendon RFC president David Gershlick said: “He was asked to be captain of Hendon on numerous occasions because he was a born leader and had a way of getting the best out of people.

"He was a cheeky sort of character, who always had something to say about everything. He was well respected as a person, and was the epicentre.

“He did sterling work in raising funds for Hendon rugby club. We are all very sad at the news.”

Tributes have flooded in on social media, with people describing Mr Ryan as a “top player” and a “terrific scrum half and a nice guy”.

Mr Ryan grew up in Hendon, and went to St James’ Catholic High School.

He remained lifelong friends with his school friends, and played rugby alongside many of them at Hendon.

The club held a minute’s silence for John during a game against The Mount prison rugby team last Saturday.

A funeral mass will take place this Saturday at 10.30am at St Pancras Church, in Hay Lane, Kingsbury, followed by a burial at Hendon Cemetery.