James Harding, 18, a pupil at Sherborne School, Dorset, died in hospital on Sunday following the accident.

He was hurt while playing for his school's first team against Blundell's School from Tiverton, Devon.

School spokesman Richard Gould said: "He had a totally accidental head-to-head collision, while carrying the ball, with a member of the opposing team and sustained a head injury.

"He was treated immediately by medical experts on the touchline and was then taken by ambulance to Yeovil Hospital and then to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

"It became clear that he would not survive his injuries."

He added that James was a popular and talented pupil at the £18,000-a-year school.

"James was a hugely likeable, popular and talented young man. Not only was he a key member of the first XV but he also played in the first XI cricket team and was a fine trombonist as a music scholar to the school.

"Our profound sympathies go out to James's parents, his family and to his many friends.

"The close community of Sherborne School is both shocked and saddened by these events."