Talented young rugby player Andrew Evans was found hanging in a suspected suicide, it has emerged.

As reported in yesterday's Echo, Mr Evans, 22, was found by his family at their home on Monday morning in Sandfields, Aberkenfig.

He was described by friends as a real character who loved playing for Tondu Rugby Club.

South Wales Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Mr Evans - popularly known as Evs - went to Pandy Infant School and Tondu Juniors before studying at Ynysawdre Comprehensive.

It is believed he was working with his father, John, who is self-employed, and was celebrating the start of 2011 with friends in Bridgend town centre on New Year's Eve and January 2 - the night before his death.

Tondu RFC released a statement on its website in memory of the young player.

Posted by Robert Dyke, it says: "On behalf of the club across all sections, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Andrew's family at this sad time.

"Evs will be missed by all in the club, especially in the senior and youth sections where, over the last number of years, he has played in the back row.

"I would like to say on a personal note it was always a pleasure to have been Evs' team manager when he was released from the Firsts to the Seconds.

"Always a committed player with the ball in hand and, in my opinion, one of the best flankers to play for the club since our drop from Division One - the stand-out player recently for the Bs during our last league match against Tonmawr.

"A true clubman who would play for the thirds if not involved with the senior group squads."

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Police in Bridgend are investigating the sudden death of a 22-year-old man whose body was found at his home in Aberkenfig at about 11.40am on Monday.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious.

"The next of kin and coroner have been informed."

Tributes continue to pour in for the 22-year-old on Facebook.

Rachael Grant, a close friend, said: "I don't know what to say. I am absolutely gutted.

"So many memories with you starting at Pandy Infants, right up to now.

"It was a pleasure to have known you.

"You'll never be forgotten. Sleep tight."

Detectives have been speaking to his friends and family to prepare a file for Bridgend Coroner Peter Maddox.