Mike Tindall has paid tribute to his England team-mate Tom Voyce, who is feared dead after his car was swept away while attempting to cross a river ford during Storm Darragh.
The former rugby player, who is married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, joined fellow athlete James Haskell in a tribute to his “incredible” friend.
“He personified rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes, punching well above his weight,” said Mike, in a instagram statement shared by The Good The Bad & The Rugby podcast.
‘His tackle-breaking ability and durability were exceptional. “He was a great character off the field.”
James added that Tom was “a teammate, a friend and an incredible player,” as well as “someone I looked up to and who always gave his best.”
“He will be deeply missed by all.”
A body was found in the search for Tom after his car was swept into a fast-moving river during Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old had attempted to cross Abberwick Ford over the River Aln near Alnwick, Northumberland, before his vehicle was swept away by the current on Saturday night.
Mike Tindall has paid tribute to his late England team-mate Tom Voyce, who is feared dead after his car was swept away while attempting to cross a river ford during Storm Darragh.
James added that Tom (pictured) was “an incredible teammate, friend and player” as well as “someone I looked up to and who always punched above his weight.”
Mike walked past Tom during the EDF Energy Cup match between Gloucester and Wasps at Kingsholm on 4 October 2008.
The athlete played nine international matches for England during his career and in club rugby he played for teams such as London Wasps, Bath and Gloucester.
After four days of exhaustive searches, specialist officers today made the tragic discovery in the river near Abberwick Mill, close to where Mr Voyce was swept away.
Formal identification has not yet been carried out, but his family has been informed and has the support of specialized agents.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts remain with Tom’s loved ones.
‘I would like to thank all our officers, partners and volunteers for their help during the searches which have been carried out in very difficult circumstances.
“We will continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Officers do not believe there was third party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Police launched a search for the England winger on Sunday morning after he never returned home from an evening out with friends.
The former rugby player, who is married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, joined fellow athlete James Haskell in a tribute to his “incredible” friend. Mike and James photographed in September
The athlete won nine caps for England during his career and in club rugby he played for teams such as London Wasps, Bath and Gloucester. Tom, right, in 2005 with Lawrence Dallaglio
His Toyota Hilux was then recovered, but Mr Voice was still missing, and searchers gathered each morning to scour the banks of the river from the ford between Bolton and Abberwick, to the sea at Alnmouth.
Specialist agents from the Marine Corps Section of the force, the Air Service of the National Police, drones and dog trainers participated in the operation. Volunteers also searched for the rugby player along with his family and friends, including his wife Anna Wood, whom he married in 2015.
Storm Darragh devastated the UK over the weekend after 150km/h winds crushed cars, destroyed homes and uprooted trees, while heavy downpours caused rivers to burst their banks and flood streets in nearby towns.
Northumbria Police said “exceptionally heavy rainfall” from Storm Darragh had “significantly” increased the water level and flow of the River Aln, making it unsafe to cross.
Mr Voyce was born in Truro, Cornwall, and was educated at Penair School, Truro. He continued his education at King’s College in Taunton.
Outside of rugby, he was an ambassador for the Wooden Spoon Society, a children’s charity. Supports children and young people with disabilities or living at a disadvantage in the UK and Ireland.
The star began his playing career at Bath Rugby, working his way through the youth sides before making his debut for their Premiership side.
While at Bath he became an established member of the England under-21 team and in 2001 made his senior debut against the United States, the first of nine.
In 2003, after 55 appearances for Bath, Voyce would join London Wasps, where he would play the majority of their senior club rugby.
During the 2004 season, he set the record for the fastest try ever scored when he collected a loose ball from the kick-off and crossed it through the posts in 9.63 against Harlequins.
He also scored a try in the 2005 Premiership rugby union final, helping Wasps to their third consecutive title.
It was here that he became an established member of the England squad, having been selected for each of England’s Six Nations matches during the 2006 tournament.
Voyce came off the bench in England’s first match and scored in the process before starting the second match.
He made one more start for England in the 2006 Six Nations, this time against Ireland, as England faltered throughout the tournament.
His last cap for England was against Australia in Sydney, in a performance that by his own admission was quite poor, and his international career ended with nine caps and 15 points.
In March 2009, it was announced that Voyce would join Gloucester, where he spent three years.
His last stop in his career was London Welsh, who he joined in April 2012, and the athlete announced his retirement from all forms of rugby in May 2013.
Mr Voyce’s disappearance has deeply upset the rugby community.
Matt Dawson, who played alongside Mr Voyce in Wasps, posted a photo of Mr Voyce on instagram along with the caption: “One of life’s wonderful human beings…I cannot express my sadness right now…All the Dawsons send their love and strength to Anna and the entire family.”
England Rugby said on X, formerly Twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Voyce’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Gloucester Rugby also posted on X, writing: ‘Gloucester Rugby is desperately saddened to hear the distressing news about our former player and friend, Tom Voyce. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”