A teenage rugby player found dead in the sea had wandered off alone after a night of revelry, club colleagues revealed.

Horsham Colts player Kieran Smith, 18, was described by team-mates as "larger than life" and "in your face" but had wanted to spend time by himself the night he died while his club was on tour in Cornwall.

His body was discovered in the sea off Newquay last Saturday morning. Detectives have ruled out any suspicious circumstances but his shocked teammates are still struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

Describing Kieran's last day, a club spokesman said: "The match against Penzance Pirates was the best the team had ever played, against by far the best opposition.

"The team sang the whole way the 30 miles back to Newquay. They had a great evening out in a nightclub only 50 yards from their hotel.

"It was a fine night and the tide was out, exposing the huge expanse of flat sands in the bay. Kiza (Kieran) must have wanted to be by himself, separating from the tour party in the early hours of the morning. He suffered a tragic accident."

Kieran's teammates told The Argus: "He leaves a big hole and we'll miss him.

"There are many things that can sum up a person.

"There are the loud and flash ones and then there are outright in-your-face ones - and that was Kiza, from his wide cheeky smile and intricately groomed blond hair down to his snakeskin shoes.

"His well-practised phrases when shouted never failed to stop people and turn heads in the street. His personality was far bigger than his physical size."

He was known for his heavy silver jewellery, extensive Chinese, Celtic and Maori tattoos and beloved blue lowered Ford Escort with chromed alloy wheels, jewelled rear lights, large exhaust and booming sound system.

Kieran, from Surrey, travelled with his team to Cornwall, where they were due to play Penzance Pirates and Redruth.

The Redruth match was to have been played last Saturday, the day Kieran's body was discovered.

Instead, a minute's silence was held at the Redruth club.

Kieran played rugby for Horsham from the age of 12 and won the Most Improved Player trophy during his time in the Under-13s.

This season he started playing senior rugby and in Under-18s and Under-19s league matches.

His team only lost one league match and qualified for the Sussex Colts final, which is due to be played this weekend.

The Horsham squad are still deciding whether to compete without him.