Team mates hail tragic rugby star

The young rugby star killed in a farming tragedy alongside his brother and his father in Northern Ireland was today hailed by teammates as a wonderful sportsman and a wonderful person.

Nevin Spence, 22, came to prominence playing for Ulster Rugby and was a rising star in Ireland’s international rugby scene but died alongside his loved ones after they fell into a slurry tank.

Emergency services went to the family farm in Drumlough Road outside Hillsborough, Co Down, shortly after 6pm on Saturday following reports that four people had fallen into the slurry pit.

Following a lengthy rescue operation it was confirmed that Nevin, his 30-year-old brother Graham and their 52-year-old father Noel, were killed.

Nevin’s sister Emma, a well known artist, was taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment for the inhalation of fumes and her condition is described as stable.

There is widespread shock at the scale of the tragedy and community leaders have paid tribute to the stricken family.

Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby Shane Logan said: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic news.

“Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person.

“He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.

“He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with his family at this time.”

The Board of Celtic Rugby and the RaboDirect PRO12 have also expressed their deepest sympathy to the Spence family.

David Jordan, Tournament Director said: “My thoughts go out to Nevin’s family, Ulster Rugby and the wider rugby community. Nevin was a talented young player with a bright future in Irish and World Rugby. He will be sorely missed by everyone”

John Feehan, Chief Executive said: “This is a very sad day for Rugby, Nevin was a rising star for his Province and his Country. He will leave a lasting legacy within the Rugby Community in Ireland”.

RaboDirect PRO12 organisers said they will liaise with Ulster Rugby with regards to the next round of matches and will respect the wishes of Nevin’s family and team mates.

Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world and beyond for the player and his family.

His former Ulster team-mate Ian Humphreys said on Twitter: “Devastated to hear the news about Nevin Spence and his brother and dad. Prayers with all his family... RIP Nev, you’ll never be forgotten...”

Former Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery tweeted: “Terrible news on Nevin Spence, his Brother and their Dad. Offering up prayers for their family and friends, unbelievably sad.”

Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Nevin Spence. A tragic loss. A class act on the field also. RIP.”

And New Zealand rugby world cup winner Dan Carter tweeted: “Such sad news and my thoughts go out to his family”.

Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy also tweeted his condolences, saying: “Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth”.