A female rugby star who “spread warmth everywhere she went” has died from cancer.

Linda Uttley, the England and Lionesses rugby player, died at the age of 43 after battling an aggressive form of cancer for more than two years.

Her sister Gloria said: “Linda was enormous fun and I miss her more than I can say.

“She was our baby sister and it's awful that she's been taken away from us like this.

“She always had a smile for everyone and spread warmth everywhere she went.

“It's a tough time for the family but we're taking consolation from the fact that Linda had great friends and lived a life that she loved."

In November 2007 Ms Uttley was told by doctors she had a rare form of cancer and little could be done to help.

he rugby community rallied around on hearing the news and a special dinner was held in Miss Uttley’s honour and to raise funds to help her cope with her illness.

However despite her condition she remained a regular on the touchlines at Teddington and continued to work for the Rugby Football Union and even toured with the England Lionesses. She was often seen in her final years whipping off her wig and dancing the night away, according to friends and family.

Miss Uttley’s died last Friday at Princess Alice Hospice in Esher.

The youngest of eight, Miss Uttley’s rugby career began in 1989, when she joined Teddington Rugby Club, aged 22, on the advice of her hairdresser.

From Teddington, Miss Uttley moved to Wasps Rugby Club in 1995 where she became one of their most valuable players.

However her talent was soon spotted by England selectors and in 1997 she began a successful career with the women’s England Team, which saw her win 13 caps and play in the World Cup squad in 1998.

The Twickenham resident retired from her international career following the European Cup in 1999, going on to play for the Classic Lionesses in Bermuda in 2000.

A true competitor on and off the pitch the ruby star’s notorious antics including a sumo wrestling match when she was on tour to Paris, in 1992. Having beaten all the women, Miss Uttley took on and beat a French No 8 rugby player, called Bernard.

Her funeral is due to be held next Wednesday at St Mary’s Church, Barnes, at 10am. A reception will be held at 1.30pm at Twickenham Stadium in The Spirit of Rugby room.

The family have requested that instead of flowers, donations be sent to Princess Alice Hospice in Esher.