THE funeral of former York, Featherstone, Bradford, Wakefield and England rugby league star Colin Forsyth will take place at 10.30am on June 25, at St Aelred’s Church in York.

The wake will follow at Heworth Amateur Rugby League Club, where he also played and later coached with distinction.

Forsyth's son, Craig, the ex-York City Knights and Doncaster prop, says it will be a "celebration of my dad's life".

He added: "The day would have been his 71st birthday. He would have much preferred a birthday card than a condolences card. So if you feel the need to buy one, 'Happy Birthday' would have made him smile more than 'Sorry you are gone'.

"All are welcome to attend and share stories."

Forsyth senior died suddenly last Thursday, aged 70, leaving behind wife Sandra, sons Mark and Craig, and daughter Julie.