Ulster to rename stand in memory of Nevin Spence

Ulster Rugby have announced that they will name a stand at their Kingspan Stadium after their former player Nevin Spence, marking the 10-year anniversary of his death.

Spence was just 22 years old when he was killed in a farming accident along with his father, Noel, and brother, Graham on 15 September 2012.

At the time, the Ulster wing was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Irish rugby, having played more than 40 times for his home province, as well as winning 11 caps for Ireland U20.

To mark the 10-year anniversary of his passing, Ulster have confirmed the Memorial Stand at Kingspan Stadium will officially be renamed the Nevin Spence Memorial.

Spence's anniversary will be marked at this Saturday's meeting between Ulster and Connacht in Belfast, although the stand won't officially be renamed until a ceremony on 26 April, which would have been his 33rd birthday.

"With every passing year, we are reminded of what a tragic loss the Spence family, together with the rugby community, suffered 10 years ago today," said Ulster Rugby CEO Jonny Petrie

"Nevin was a talent that shone bright, both on and off the pitch, and his lasting legacy is an integral part of who we are at Ulster Rugby.

"The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand will recognise that his memory lives on for players, staff and supporters, and is our way of ensuring that he is remembered now, and for generations to come, by all those who visit our home."