LIVE-SAVING equipment has been handed over to a borough rugby club in memory of a player.
The Old Yardleians Rugby Club, who are based on Tilehouse Lane, is the new home for a defibrillator donated by pub company Ei Group.
Ray Francis died from a heart attack after a rugby match at the Shirley club aged just 32.
Tristram Oliver, Committee Member at Old Yardleians Rugby Club, said: “We hope to be in a much better position and could save a life.
“Our ground is used by a local club called Solihull Archers and there are four other local football teams who play adjacent to our ground, so to have this advanced piece of medical kit available at the club is more than appreciated.
“The rugby club is extremely grateful for Ei Group’s defibrillator donation.”
Paul Harbottle, group commercial director at Ei Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to donate this piece of life-saving medical equipment to the Old Yardleians Rugby Club, who have been so accommodating with hosting our annual summer event for the past three years.
“Given the regrettable death of Ray Francis, we really wanted to help the club be better equipped should anything like this ever happen again.”
