Rugby fans pay tribute to their hero Nevin

A team-mate of tragic rugby star Nevin Spence has told an emotional memorial service that he was the epitome of all that is good in the game.

The 22-year-old Ulster Rugby player died alongside his brother Graham, 30, and father Noel, 58, when they were overcome by poisonous fumes in a slurry tank at the family farm in Hillsborough, Co Down, last weekend.

Thousands of rugby fans from across Ireland gathered at Ulster’s home ground Ravenhill in Belfast yesterday afternoon to pay tribute to a man tipped for greatness in the sport.

Ireland and Ulster player Rory Best spoke on behalf of the team during the religious service, which was attended by grieving members of the Spence family.

“Nevin was a team player,” said Best, “the sort of player that every team needs but few are lucky enough to truly find.

“This was obvious every time he ran out at Ravenhill because Nevin loved rugby, he loved representing his province, the fans, his neighbours, his Church, and especially his family.

“This enjoyment of the game meant that Nev was one of the most consistent performers for Ulster over the last two seasons.

“Nev has left Ulster Rugby in a much better place than he found it and as a player, a colleague and friend, his memory will continue to shape Ulster Rugby for years to come.

“Nev, we will miss you but we will never forget you.”

A stage was set up on the pitch facing the packed main stand of the east Belfast ground for a service presided over by Ulster Rugby Chaplin Reverend Andrew Thompson.

At the end the crowd broke into a spontaneous round of applause followed by an unprompted rendition of the team’s well-known song ‘Stand up for the Ulstermen’.

Earlier, six balloons in the team’s colours of red, white and black were released into the sky as supporters sang the hymn ‘Abide With Me’.

As well as Best’s tribute, the captain of the Ulster team, South African international Johann Muller, read from the Bible.

One of Spence’s closest friends in the squad, scrum half Paul Marshall, delivered a scriptural reading.

Marshall was one of six players who carried the star’s coffin at his funeral on Wednesday.