Muller pays tribute to Spence

Ulster captain Johann Muller has spoken of the club’s devastation at the death of Nevin Spence at the weekend.

Spence died along with his father Noel and brother Graham in an tragic accident at the family farm near Hillsborough, County Down on Saturday evening.

As one of Ulster’s brightest young players, the news has hit the province hard, but Muller has promised the 22-year-old centre will never be forgotten.

“On behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby squad, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Spence family at this time,” Muller said in a statement.

“Nevin’s loss will be felt deeply by us all. We are equally saddened by the tragic deaths of his father Noel and his brother Graham. The thoughts of every member of the squad are with Nevin’s mother Essie, and his sisters Emma and Laura. We would also like to pass on our condolences to Graham’s wife and children. We wish Emma a full and speedy recovery.”

Ulster’s trip to Zebre on Friday has been postponed following Spence’s death and Muller admits his loss has deeply affected the entire squad.

“Nevin Spence was a highly skilful and gifted rugby player. He was utterly committed to Ulster and was enormously proud to represent his Province,” Muller added. “He was determined to be the best that he could be and I have no doubt that he would have gone on to play for Ireland on many occasions. He was the kind of player that inspired others with his attitude in training and sheer will to win in matches.

“His positive outlook on life brought a smile to people’s faces. He was kind, polite, generous and courageous, and we were blessed to have him in our team. The one comfort for us as a squad is that we have each other for support.

“It has been a difficult time for the players and coaches but I believe that through this tragic loss, we will have a new sense of togetherness.

“I would like to thank the organising committee of the RaboDirect PRO12 for postponing this weekend’s game with Zebre and for allowing us the space and time to begin to come to terms with Nevin’s loss.”

As a mark of respect a minute’s silence will be observed at RaboDirect PRO12 matches over the weekend, while the IRFU has asked clubs in Ireland to fly their flags at half mast.

“In the coming weeks, the Ulster Rugby team will return to the pitch. Over the course of the rest of this year and in future seasons we will experience wins and we will no doubt suffer defeats,” Muller declared.

“Players will move on or retire and new players will come in and represent the Province. But going forward, at Ulster Rugby, one thing will never change. As long as this great club exists, the person and the player, Nevin Spence, will never be forgotten.”