Steve Borthwick hails 'wonderfully gifted' Tom Voyce

England head coach Steve Borthwick has paid tribute to the "wonderfully gifted" former international Tom Voyce, who died after he was swept away while driving across a swollen river last weekend.

The 43-year-old former wing's car was washed away crossing a ford on the River Aln near Alnwick, Northumberland, last weekend during Storm Darragh.

His body was found several hundred metres downstream from the ford on Thursday following days of extensive searches.

Borthwick, who played for England alongside Voyce, said: "It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Tom Voyce, a wonderfully gifted rugby player and a truly lovely man.

"Tom left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and created memories that will stay with all who watched him play.

"On behalf of everyone at England Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to Tom's family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time."

Borthwick's tribute joins a long list of tributes from the sport, including World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Voyce won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, where he helped them win European and domestic titles.

He also played for Bath and Gloucester in a career that spanned 220 Premiership appearances prior to his retirement in May 2013.

Voyce's wife Anna had earlier released a statement to say the family had been "overwhelmed" by the support they have received.

She said: "Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn't even describe how we feel. My main focus now is our son Oscar, having done what he asked, 'find Daddy'.

"All of Tom's family were involved in the search. I will be forever grateful to my