FORMER Henley Hawks player James Comben has died at the age of 29 after battling cancer.

The National League 2 South club announced the sad news earlier today.

Comben made his Hawks debut in 2009 after coming through the youth set-up.

The fly half went on to play 167 games and was instrumental as the club won promotion to National League 1 in 2013 and 2015.

Comben was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma - a rare form of blood cancer - in February 2017.

A club statement reads: “It is with deep sadness that the club has to announce that former Hawk, James Comben passed away on Sunday following his battle with cancer.

“All of our thoughts from everyone at the club are with his family and friends, in particular his wife Elle and his parents Nigel and Liz and sister, Susie. Funeral arrangements will be communicated as soon they are available.

“For anyone wanting to come down and pay their respects, we will be doing a short period of reflection before the game against Ampthill on Saturday at 3pm.

“The club will acknowledge James's fantastic contribution to Henley RFC and these plans will be announced in due course.”