Rugby mourns the death of Tom Walkinshaw

The death of Gloucester chairman and owner Tom Walkinshaw is not only very bad news for his family and friends, it is also bad news for the club and for rugby itself. Anybody who is not sure about the contribution he has made to the game in the last dozen or so years need only look at what is by some of his contemporaries in the game.

Although his first sport was motor racing, he has been “Mr Gloucester” virtually since the professional era began, and has always worked hard for the game as well as for Glaws.
He had since taken 100 per cent control of the club and in his appearances at fan talk-ins he has made it clear that he always wanted what was best for Glaws as a club, for the fans and for the game as a whole, while at the same time running the club in a professional manner.Basically, nobody has done more for the modern club game in England.
Premiership Rugby chairman Quentin Smith summed up TW’s contribution when he said: “In so many respects, the success of professional club rugby is testament to the vision, leadership and drive of Tom Walkinshaw.
“His determination and energy helped create the Premiership Rugby and European competitions we know and love today. He will be sadly missed.”
Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said: “Unquestionably he was one of the founding fathers and leaders in the creation and growth of professional club rugby, not only in England but across Europe.
“His vision and drive was decisive in today’s success, and the legacy he leaves is the enjoyment of so many each weekend of the season.”
While rugby people are all paying their respects, many outside the game also realise what a miss TW will be.
Gloucester MP Richard Graham told the Citizen: "Tom Walkinshaw took Gloucester rugby into the modern era, and made sure that we remain in the top half dozen clubs in the land. I am very grateful for his deep commitment, and very sorry that he has died just as the club is producing some of its best results.”
Tom Walkinshaw will be mourned not just by his family, not just in Gloucester, not just in England and not just in Europe.
He will be mourned throughout the game of rugby.