Rugby club says former player was killed in crash

Guildfordians Rugby Club has said former player Max Redding was one of the two young people killed in a crash on the A246 near East Clandon.

The club issued a tribute to the former youth and senior player a week after the collision on Epsom Road.

"Max was never someone who could be summed up simply," they said. "He was a complex character, full of energy, determination, strength and spirit. Someone whose presence made an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him."

Surrey Police said it could not name either of the two people who died because it did not have formal identification from the coroner.

Club official Peter O'Loughlin said Max's father, Graham Redding, had informed the club that his son was among the fatalities.

He first joined Guildfordians as a 12-year-old and later played for Surrey Rugby, George Abbot School and the club's senior Bisons side.

Coaches said he had previously competed as a national-level trampolinist and quickly established himself as an "exceptional athlete".

In the tribute, the club said Max was "humble, respectful and deeply committed to his teammates".

One coach recalled a cup match against Richmond in which Max received a yellow card after a heavy challenge.

Reflecting on the incident at half-time, Max acknowledged he had put the team under pressure before telling his coach: "Worth it though!"

The club said he could be "fearless, committed, occasionally infuriating, sometimes utterly unpredictable" but was always prepared to put himself on the line for others.

It added that, regardless of the result, he would always thank his coaches after matches for giving up their time to support him.

The tribute said Max would be remembered not only for his rugby ability but also for being "individual, complicated, funny, strong-willed and impossible to forget".

"The sadness of losing someone so young is impossible to put into words," they said.

He was "a young man who gave everything, challenged everyone around him, and left an indelible mark on those who knew him."

They added: "Max will be greatly missed. He will never be forgotten."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.