THE Cornish rugby world was this week attempting to come to terms with death of Tony Mead, one of the best-known players of his generation.

Tony, who was a police officer, died after taking part in a charity cycle ride last Wednesday. He was 37.

The ride - The Big Event - was a 100-mile trip around police stations in north Devon in aid of CLIC and Cancer Research UK.

A police spokesman said: "Detective Inspector Mead served his probationary period at Charles Cross before moving to Newquay. He joined the CID at Redruth and Truro before being promoted to sergeant at Ilfracombe.

"He was subsequently posted to Barnstaple as a detective sergeant and from there he was promoted to inspector at Plymouth and then moved to Middlemoor.

"His last move was to Barnstaple as detective inspector."

Tony played his rugby for several clubs including Saltash, Devon/Cornwall Police, Plymouth Albion and Redruth.

A talented wing three-quarter, he was, not surprisingly, selected to play for Cornwall and gained 45 caps between 1987 and 1997 and played a part in the resurgence of Cornish rugby that saw the Duchy fill Twickenham for County Championship finals.

As a mark of respect a minute's silence was observed before Saturday's National League Two game between Redruth and Harrogate.

He is survived by his wife and a four-month-old son.