Loch Lomond Rugby Club has honoured a young player who was laid to rest last week.

Chris Lister, 21, was airlifted to hospital after a car crash on the A811, near Alexandria, on Thursday, June 25.

He sustained serious injuries and died in hospital three days later.

His funeral took place last Thursday at St Kessog’s Roman Catholic Church in his home village of Balloch.

Chris became involved with the rugby club as a child going to watch his dad John play, and went on the rise through the ranks himself, playing for the minis, junior and senior teams.

The club pay touching tribute to the player they remember as a ‘super role model’ who ‘always had a smile on his face’.

A club spokesman said: “A young Chris Lister first appeared at Loch Lomond Rugby Club to watch his dad, John Lister, play for the senior team. Chris and his brothers, Jamie and Matthew, would arrive on a Saturday afternoon, warned by John not to get dirty while they played at the sidelines of the main pitch. Not long after kick-off, the three young Lister boys would be witnessed rolling down the hill at the Dillichip, or playing in whatever muddy puddle they could find.

“When the final whistle blew, you would have thought the three boys had been playing the game, as were usually dirtier than their dad. This was the start of Chris’ involvement with Loch Lomond Rugby Club.

“Chris went on to play mini rugby for Loch Lomond, alongside his brothers, and coached by his dad. A real family affair. Chris enjoyed all rugby activities, and would take any opportunity to be involved with the teams. Chris loved trips to Murrayfield to cheer on Scotland, where he always looked out for and helped with the younger players, even though he was still only a youngster himself. Chris also ventured out ‘on tour’ with the club, to Cardiff, to enjoy the Six Nations game against Wales.

“We watched Chris with pride as he progressed through our various youth age groups, and then into our senior teams, where he followed in his dad’s footsteps to play in the second row. When not playing, Chris would regularly be seen on the sidelines cheering the team, and his friends, on.

“Chris’ sense of fun was always obvious, be it in the pre-match warm-up, or when getting up to mischief with the minis at the club. Chris always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. All the younger players looked up to Chris, and he was a super role model for them. Chris also had the respect of the senior players, who appreciated his honesty, enthusiasm and hard work, on and off the park.

“Chris will be missed immensely by everyone associated with Loch Lomond Rugby Club, whether it’s on the pitch, on the sidelines or enjoying a beer in the clubhouse after a game with his teammates.

“The Lister family have always been, and will continue to be, an important part of Loch Lomond Rugby Club. We are honoured that Chris was one of us.”