HEARTBROKEN family members, team-mates and the rugby union community have paid tribute to a much-loved Evesham ace who died after scoring a try for his beloved side.
Jack Jeffery, 27, lost his life at Coventry’s Walgrave Hospital on Saturday (February 12) in the aftermath of scoring yet another try for the seniors in their fixture with Berkswell and Balsall.
The free-scoring star had just crossed the whitewash for when he was injured in the challenge while scoring. The exact cause of his death is not yet known.
Sister Daisy Jeffery paid tribute to her ‘beautiful baby brother’ and said the tackle which caused the incident was accidental from which Jack ‘never got up’.
Their devoted father Glenn said: “Jack passed away doing the thing that he loved the most, playing rugby.
“Jack was the most kind-hearted, generous and beautiful son who enriched the lives of everyone who was lucky to know and have met him.
“He will be so missed by his family and friends. RIP our beautiful boy.
“Thank you to everyone who has contacted and sent us such kind thoughts and lovely words. This truly means so much and is a comfort to us in these very difficult times,” he added.
Shocked club chiefs at Evesham RFC hailed Jack as ‘too good even for the All Blacks’ and said a more committed, loyal clubman would be hard to find. Although he lived in East London, Evesham remained close to Jack’s heart.
“He would often return from London for training and was always at the heart of club activities,” chairman David Summerfield said.
“He served his club, his teammates and the county with distinction and provided much satisfaction to the club supporters in knowing exactly where the whitewash was.
“As a club, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from the rugby community. Jack was calm, respected and highly thought of.
“Our club and community have lost such a bright light,” he added.
Worcester Warriors paid tribute to Jack and said: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Worcester Warriors go to the family, friends and team-mates of Jack Jeffery and Evesham RFC.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) bosses said: “On behalf of everyone at the RFU, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Jeffery.
Sports Minister and Evesham’s MP Nigel Huddleston said: “Very sorry to hear about the tragic death of Jack Jeffery who was injured while playing for Evesham Rugby Club.
“My deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and teammates. The outpouring of messages shows how incredibly popular he was.”
