THE funerals of two men who died abroad while on a rugby tour will take place next week.
Thomas Howard, 25, and Tom Baty, 26, who are both from Durham, died in Sri Lanka earlier this month.
The men were on tour with rugby team Clems Pirates, which is affiliated with Durham City Rugby Club.
Mr Howard’s funeral will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church, in Belmont, Durham on Monday, June 4 at 10.30am.
It will be followed by cremation at Durham Crematorium for family and close friends and refreshments at Durham City Rugby Club’s Hollow Drift ground, which all are welcome to attend.
Mr Baty’s funeral takes place at St John’s Church, in Meadowfield, near Durham, at 11am on Thursday, June 7, followed by a cremation at Durham Crematorium for family and close friends.
Refreshments will be served at the rugby club, which all are welcome to attend.
If mourners are representing a rugby club they are asked to wear their club ties.
A statement by the rugby club said: “The families would like to thank everyone for the kind messages and support, and for everyone for continuing to respect their privacy at this time.”
The men were taken to hospital in Colombo on Sunday, May 13 after they started suffering breathing problems.
Mr Howard died on May 13 and Mr Baty died two days later on May 15.
