Ulster Rugby Pay Powerful Tribute To Nevin Spence

Moving stuff from players and staff on a very emotional day for Ulster as they mourn the 2 year anniversary of Nevin Spence’s tragic death.

2 years have passed since the passing of Nevin, Noel and Graham Spence who died in a tragic accident on their farm. In tribute to their former player, Ulster Rugby today posted some fine words from three men who knew Nevin very well.

Captain Rory Best, physio Gareth Robinson and chaplain Reverend Andrew Thompson each wrote about the impact of Nevin’s death, two years on. It’s difficult to read, and shows just how loved Nevin was by those who worked with him.

Below is just a small extract of the three pieces, check out the full moving tribute on their site here.

Rory Best:

For Ulster Rugby, the 15th September will always be a sad occasion. As a squad we will come together with management and staff today to remember Nevin. 

We will reflect and there will be sadness. However, we will also enjoy sharing stories about him – things that he did on the rugby pitch, games that he played and those terrible jokes that he told. 

Today is a sad day, but those memories of Nevin bring so much joy. 

Gareth Robinson:

Remembering Nevin is a very personal thing but today represents a collective understanding that this date should be marked by the squad spending time together. To pay our respects, to share our memories and to support each other. This is the ‘fixture’ in our season that will remain constant. The date is fixed. There will be no cheering crowd, no tries, no crunching tackles and no points won or lost. The result will be the same each year. It will be the reality check in the often-mad world of professional rugby. 

Today will represent the time when we reflect on how Nevin touched our lives and how through his memory he continues to be an example to us all.

Rev Andrew Thompson:

Those associated with Ulster Rugby feel that it is important to look back this weekend and reflect on the tragic death of Nevin Spence, alongside his father, Noel and brother, Graham, two years ago.  We remember them because, in so doing, we celebrate and keep alive the things that were important to them including commitment, loyalty, discipline, family and faith.  Our prayer is that Nevin Spence’s example continues to shine and serves as an inspiration, especially to the young people of our Province who will visit the centre that bears his name.