17 August 2012 Last updated at 12:12 ET

Rugby player Mitchell Todd 'died from brain injury'

Mitchell Todd "could not have survived", the inquest heard

A professional rugby player who was killed in a car crash suffered a "catastrophic brain injury", an inquest has heard.

Mitchell Todd, 21, was found dead in his car by a passer-by near Normanton-on-the Wolds, Nottinghamshire, just before 06:00 BST on Wednesday.

His Citroen C3 had left Cotgrave Road and was on its roof in a field.

The lock forward, from Coventry, was described as an "exceptional talent" by his club, Nottingham RFC.

The inquest, at Nottingham Coroner's Court, heard Todd suffered severe head injuries in the crash and could not have survived the impact.

Scottish caps

Stephanie Haskey, assistant deputy coroner for Nottinghamshire, said no other cars were thought to have been involved in the "tragic accident".

Nottinghamshire Police is investigating the crash and has appealed for witnesses.

The lock, who had just completed a degree in sport therapy at Coventry University, had won 10 Scotland Under-20 caps.

The Scottish Rugby Union has offered its "sincere condolences to all Mitchell Todd's family and friends".

Todd had signed a new contract with Nottingham RFC in May.