A FORMER Sale Sharks player has been found dead in Hong Kong.


David Tait, who was 25 and worked as a financial manager in the Chinese city, is believed to have fallen from an apartment block yesterday.


David, who was born in Sale, left the Sharks two years ago due to persistent injuries and began a career working for KPMG, one of the largest corporate services companies in the world.


A spokesman for the Tait family said they are devastated and ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.


Damian Hopley, CEO of the Rugby Players Association, said: "The rugby community will be shattered by the passing of such a gifted and popular young man who was respected by everyone he played alongside.


“He wasn't simply a talented rugby player, he was also extremely bright and successful in his life outside of rugby.


“We will do everything we can to help support David's family and the players who played alongside him.


“His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers."


Premiership Rugby chief executive, Mark McCafferty, said: "At this desperately sad time words can hardly do justice to the way everyone involved with Aviva Premiership Rugby will feel about David's passing.”