NSW rugby league player dead after collapsing on the field

A Far North Coast NSW rugby league player has died after collapsing during a reserve grade match in Ballina.

Zane Purcell passed away while playing for the Lower Clarence Magpies yesterday afternoon against the Ballina Seagulls at Ballina.

Country Rugby League (CRL) are not making any further comment in respect for family and friends of Mr Purcell.

In a statement yesterday, the CRL sent their condolences and said they were providing counselling for the family and both teams involved in Sunday's match.

The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital after falling to the turf during the opening 15 minutes of the game according to local media outlet, The Daily Examiner.

The home team's doctor and a player, who is an off-duty paramedic, attended to the stricken player until an ambulance arrived.

But despite the efforts, medical staff were not able to revive the man.

The match was called off and the first grade game was abandoned.

It's the third on field death in just over a week.

Welsh international rugby league player Danny Jones died from a suspected cardiac arrest during his club's League 1 match in London on May 3, while an Australian Rules player in his 20s passed away during a game in regional Victoria on May 2.