THE death of a teenage rugby player on New Year’s Day was last night described as “a tragedy beyond comprehension”.

Tributes have flooded in after Colin Nuttall was found dead by his mother Caroline at the family’s home in Faringdon. It was just days after he had turned 16.

The Faringdon Community College pupil was team captain for Grove RFC under-15s before he transferred to Wallingford Rugby Club in June.

Friends have described him as talented, a natural leader and well liked by all.

Faringdon Community College headteacher David Wilson said the school was in shock.

He said: “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension.

“Our thoughts are very much with his parents.”

Colin, who was an only child, turned 16 on December 20, just 12 days before he died.

The school has held assemblies this week to explain the support available for fellow students.

It has also set up a ‘memory board’ on which staff and students can post messages and memories,.

The school plans to hold a memorial service. Friends have already created an online video tribute, and Twitter has been flooded with tributes.

Seb Black wrote on social media site Twitter: “RIP Colin Nuttall. Won’t forget this guy, worst news of all time.”

Oliver Bailey wrote: “Colin Nuttall clearly touched many lives. Extremely saddening to see the devastation being displayed on Twitter at the moment.”

Police officer and family friend Darren Price, from Wantage, knew him well.

Mr Price said: “Colin had a very wide circle of friends.

“He was a talented player and a natural leader. He was well liked by all, and his Facebook page has message after message from people paying tribute.”

His mother was Grove under-15s team administrator when he played there.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.