Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his deep sorrow after learning of the presumed death of his former England teammate Tom Voyce, who is believed to have been swept away while trying to cross a flooded river. The tragic incident occurred near Alnwick, Northumberland, when Voyce’s vehicle became trapped in the swollen River Aln during Storm Darragh. At the time of the incident, the 43-year-old former rugby player was attempting to cross a ford when the water level became dangerously high. A major search effort, involving emergency services and volunteers, has been ongoing since his disappearance on Saturday.
The rugby community has been shaken by the loss, with many expressing their shock and sadness. Dallaglio, a former World Cup winner, shared a heartfelt tribute, describing the tragedy as “horrific.” He also reflected on his own personal loss, recalling the pain he felt when his sister, Francesca, was killed in the 1989 Marchioness disaster. She was one of many people who tragically died when a boat collided with a dredger on the Thames. Dallaglio empathized with Voyce’s family, sharing that his sister’s body was not recovered for several days after the incident, making his sorrow even more profound.
Dallaglio’s message, posted on social media, was a call for respect towards Voyce’s family during this incredibly difficult time. He encouraged people to keep the family in their thoughts, adding his love and support. Voyce, known for his time at Wasps and his nine caps for England, was part of a successful team that saw him win European and domestic titles. He spent six years with Wasps from 2003 to 2009, and later played for Gloucester before retiring from rugby in 2013.
The search for Voyce has involved a wide range of efforts. Emergency services were out at first light on Wednesday, searching along the banks of the River Aln, from the ford to the sea at Alnmouth. The river’s water level was about a foot deep on Wednesday morning, but it would have been much higher when the storm struck over the weekend. The police recovered Voyce’s Toyota Hilux from the river at least 15 meters downstream, with officers believing that he was swept away while trying to escape from the vehicle.
Specialist teams, including divers, drones, and search dogs, have been involved in scouring the area. Volunteers from local rescue teams have joined the search, working alongside the police and coastguards. Despite these efforts, the search has not yet yielded any results, and the public has been asked to refrain from attending the scene to avoid interfering with the operation.
Voyce’s wife, Anna, along with his family, has expressed their gratitude for the support shown by the search teams and volunteers. The rugby community continues to rally around the family during this heart-wrenching time.
Tom Voyce, originally from Cornwall, had recently moved to Northumberland after living in London for several years. He had a distinguished career, earning nine caps for England and becoming a regular for Wasps, where he played in some of the most successful teams in the club’s history. His time at Wasps was marked by significant achievements, including winning European and domestic titles. After leaving Wasps in 2009, he continued his career at Gloucester before retiring from rugby in 2013.
This tragedy has deeply affected the rugby world, with many remembering Voyce not only for his sporting achievements but also for his warm and kind personality. His family, friends, and the rugby community remain hopeful for a positive resolution, although the search efforts continue amid difficult circumstances.
