AN ex-rugby ace has paid tribute to his brother -- who was killed in a car crash -- calling him "my best mate."

London Wasps coach and former Great Britain captain Shaun Edwards, aged 35, said his brother, Billy-Joe, lived for rugby.

He added: "He wanted so much to do well at rugby league, but he particularly wanted to do well at Wigan."

Billy-Joe, aged 19, died along said his teammate, 18-year-old Craig Johnson. They were both members of Wigan Warriors' under-21 side.

The were killed when the car in which they were travelling careered out of control and crashed into a brick wall on Turton Road, in Tottington.

Devastated Shaun drove from London to Wigan to be with his parents following the tragedy.

He said: "To find the right words to say at a time like this is possibly one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do."

The news was announced before Wigan Warriors' 82-3 Challenge Cup win over Halton Simms Cross at the JJB Stadium on Sunday.

Billy-Joe had been involved in the club's Community Development Outreach programme and, like Craig, he faced a promising rugby career. Craig had just returned to Wigan following a spell at Warrington. His brother, Paul, plays for Warriors and is a Great Britain centre.

Shaun said: "My brother was my best mate."

Police are still appealing for witnesses. Call the Bury traffic unit on 0161 856 8072 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.