Body Found in Search for Missing Former England Rugby Player Tom Voyce

A body has been discovered in the search for Tom Voyce, the former England rugby international, who went missing after attempting to cross Abberwick Ford during Storm Darragh. The 43-year-old, who was capped nine times for England between 2001 and 2006, had been feared dead after his vehicle was reportedly swept away by the current on Sunday.

Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit found the body near Abberwick Mill. While formal identification has yet to take place, police have notified Mr Voyce’s next of kin. Authorities do not suspect any third-party involvement.

Voyce, who had not returned home after a night out with friends on Saturday, had been the subject of a large-scale search involving his family, police, mountain rescue teams, and the National Police Air Service. His wife, Anna, expressed gratitude for the support from the police and local community.

The search had been complicated by challenging conditions, including a heightened river flow from heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Mr Voyce, originally from Truro, Cornwall, played for Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester before retiring from professional rugby in 2013. He had since worked at the Investec bank and had been living in Alnwick, Northumberland, since 2020.

Tributes have poured in from the rugby world, including from Mike Tindall and James Haskell, both former England internationals, who shared fond memories of Voyce’s remarkable character and playing ability. Tindall described him as someone who “epitomised rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes” and praised his “exceptional” durability.

In the wake of the tragedy, a planned carol service at Bolton Chapel was cancelled as the community mourned the loss.

Ch Supt Helena Barron of Northumbria Police stated, “This is an extremely sad development, and our thoughts very much continue to be with Mr Voyce’s loved ones.”