A rugby player who is homosexual, whose claim for asylum was rejected, fears he will suffer violence if he is forced to return to Kenya.

Bristol Bisons team member Kenneth Macharia has been detained pending deportation.

The LGBTQ+ team said Mr Macharia feared "persecution and violence in Kenya because he is gay".

In a statement on Twitter, his teammates said he was "an integral part" of their group.

"His commitment to the ethos of rugby and inclusive gay rugby is second to none. We are at risk of losing one of the herd," the statement continued.

Thangam Debbonaire, Mr Macharia's local MP, has also pledged her support.