A HAMPSHIRE rugby club has vowed to discourage drinkers from driving after a coroner called for changes to be made following a player’s death.

The trusteesof Romsey Rugby Club said they will be “implementing the recommendations set out by the coroner” following the inquest into the death of Macaulay Campbell, also known as Mac.

The 20-year old rugby star was more than twice the drink-drive limit when he drove down the wrong side of the road, crashing head-on into another car.

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He had been celebrating with friends following a victory against rivals Alresford at the Southampton Road rugby club before he got into his car.

Coroner Grahame Short called for the club to introduce a formal policy to discourage drink-driving after hearing how the bar had been opened specifically for Mac and his team mates.

After taking part in drinking games Mac got into his Volkswagen Lupo, before ploughing into a BMW 520 moments later, injuring two others.

The crash on the A3057 near Romsey on February 20 sent shockwaves through the communities of Romsey and Rownhams, where Mac lived.

In court on Monday, bar manager Simon Stent said the club had no formal policy on drink-driving but said its members looked out for each other.

Now John Lee, chairman of the rugby club, who coached Mac from an early age, said that changes will be made.

He said: “On behalf of the committee and Romsey Rugby Club, I would like to once again express our deepest sympathies to all of the people affected. The passing of Mac and the circumstances has deeply affected us all.

“Drinking and driving is unacceptable and as a committee we will be implementing the recommendations."

“We would like to thank all of those who have shown support during this difficult time, both inside and outside the rugby community.”

Mac’s family has apologised for his actions and said: “He would be mortified at the grief caused by the events of that night.

We would hope that this sends out a very strong message to other young people about the dangers of drinking and driving.”