FORMER Salisbury and England rugby union player Dave Egerton has died at the age of 59 after complications from coronavirus.

Born in October 1961, Dave started his rugby career playing for Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School in the 1970s, as well as representing Salisbury Rugby Club.

He started his career in the second row, and as his career progressed his main position became number 8.

Egerton won seven England caps and represented the British and Irish Lions against France in 1989.

'Extravagantly gifted'

Richard Larcombe, President of Salisbury RFC, said he was "an extravagantly gifted back row player".

He added: "Between 1985 and 1995 he averaged a try every three games for Bath, a phenomenal return, helped perhaps by the rumour that he could score by stretching from the five metre line?

"He won seven England caps and, by general consensus then and now, would have won many more had his time not coincided with Dean Richards as England's No 8."

Dave went on to be Head Coach at Bridgwater & Albion, then Coach at Bristol Rugby and more recently was a pundit with BBC Radio Bristol.

Mr Larcombe added: "I was fortunate enough to play a number of games at Salisbury with Dave and besides being an exceptional rugby player, he was very committed, funny, an engaging raconteur, and wonderful company before, during and after games.

"He never completely lost touch with Salisbury, he has been a regular at our Christmas VP Lunches and recently has been generous with his time and support for our fundraising for the new changing rooms.

"Our thoughts are with his family: wife Amanda, children William and Olivia, brother Andy, another ex Salisbury player, and his Mum and Dad, Sally and Bob, both supporters of our club."

'A wonderful gentleman'

He made 163 appearances during a decade with Bath, with the club releasing a statement on Twitter that said: "We are all deeply shocked and incredibly sad to learn that Club legend, Dave Egerton, has passed away.

"A wonderful gentleman and talented player, taken from us far too soon.

"Our thoughts and love go out to his family and friends. #bathfamily"

Egerton's time at The Rec coincided with a period of sustained success under Jack Rowell, with Bath winning five league titles and five domestic cups.

Egerton's playing record in full is:

  • BWS 1st XV, 1977-1980
  • 1978- 1980 England u-16, England u-19 Schools (No 8)
  • 1980- 1982 Salisbury 1st XV
  • 1981-1984 Loughborough University 1st XV, and the England Universities team, England Students.
  • 1982- Dorset & Wilts County Championship Team
  • 1984-1995 Bath 1st XV
  • 1985-1986 Divisional Championships - South West Division
  • 1986- England B
  • 1987- England Rugby World Cup Australia, England Tours to Australia 1988 and Argentina 1990
  • 1988-1990 - England, seven caps
  • 1989- British Lions - one cap v France
  • Invitational Teams - Barbarians , Public School Wander's, Major Stanley's XV, Micky Steele Bodgers XV, Bermuda Classics X, Bristol University.

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