Concern has turned into total fear for friends of missing rugby player Donavan Van Lill, who disappeared without a trace from his Chippenham home more than a week ago.

They are now leading a nationwide search for the 29-year-old who is renown for his reliability by colleagues at the Olympiad Leisure Centre, where he works as a fitness instructor, and by his mates at Corsham Rugby Club.

As the time ticks by and there is still no word from Mr Van Lill, his friends are becoming increasingly fearful that something sinister has befallen him.

South African-born Mr Van Lill went missing from his home in Blackthorn Mews, Pewsham without his telephone, wallet or passport. His laptop was found still connected to his Facebook page, which he would update daily.

Friend Bonita Andre, a fellow South African, said: “This is not at all normal for Don – he would never leave his Facebook on, which shows he was not going out anywhere.

“We are also worried because he has not got his phone – he is a Facebook addict and always has his phone next to him when he is online so it is very strange.”

Miss Andre added Mr Van Lill, a popular and outgoing man, was utterly dependable. She said: “Don goes to work every day and he would never have a day off or anything – he is such a goody two-shoes. He is a very sociable person and loves talking to people in work – even if he was ill he would go in.”

Her mum Margaret Andre, of Kingham Close, said: “This is completely out of character for Don, and we are all very worried.

“If he was going to go somewhere he would have taken at least his wallet, but he didn’t.

“It is as if he went to answer the door and whoever was there just took him away.”

Staff at the Olympiad contacted police on Thursday after Mr Van Lill failed to show up for work for a second day. Centre manager Jenny Christensen said staff are anxiously waiting for news.

She said: “Everyone is very worried, this not at all like Donovan. If he’s anything he’s reliable.

“Many of the staff are friends as well as colleagues and so we’ve been trying to track him down.

“It’s a worrying time for everyone here.”

Steve Bailey, the captain of Corsham Rugby Club’s first team, for which Mr Van Lill played, said he was half expecting his friend to show up for the team’s match on Saturday.

Mr Bailey said: “The last text message I sent him was on Tuesday last week telling him he was playing number 13 and to bring his A game.

“We knew he had gone missing by Saturday so I’d made other arrangements but I was kind of hoping he’d show up.

“We’d have given him some stick and I’d probably have stuck him on the bench for the game, but it would have been great to see him.

“The longer it goes on the more I start fearing the worst.”

Mr Bailey said Mr Van Lill is a popular member of the club and players have been so concerned they have been out putting up posters highlighting his disappearance.

“I can’t believe he’s out there knowing we’re looking for him and hasn’t been in touch with anyone,” said Mr Bailey.

“We’ve been putting up posters but we’re starting to run out of ideas.”