Appeal in tribute to rugby star hits £95k

AN appeal has raised almost £100,000 in memory of a former professional rugby player who died of cancer aged 34.

Father-of-three Jack Adams, pictured, who played for Gloucester and Bristol rugby clubs during his career, passed away last Saturday.

Since his death, more than £95,000 has so far been raised in donations, which will be split between Jack’s family and his favourite charity, Maggie’s Centres Cheltenham, which supported his family through this period.

Jack was diagnosed “out of the blue” with cancer in April and after undergoing treatment was told there was nothing more that could be done.

His family confirmed on Monday that he passed away on Saturday night surrounded by loved ones – prompting a huge outpouring of grief from the rugby community and a deluge of donations in his memory.

The centre joined Gloucester Rugby via the academy and made 35 appearances for the club between 2005 and 2009.

He made his debut at Kingsholm aged 18 in 2005, where he first came on as a replacement for Mike Tindall.

He joined Bristol in 2009 and played more than 50 games before embarking in a career in construction management, while continuing to coach senior teams Brockworth RFC and Hucclecote RFC. Jack also represented England Sevens across the world.

A spokesperson for the appeal said: “This campaign is to raise funds to support Jack’s favourite charity and to provide some future security for his children.

“Jack’s charity of choice is Maggie’s Centres (Cheltenham) who have been a great support and comfort to the family through this period.”

More than 3,000 individual donations have been received and are continuing to flood in.

Gloucester Rugby Club said in a statement: “Everyone connected to Gloucester is deeply saddened to hear the news of Jack Adams passing over the weekend.

“The outpouring of love and support from the wider rugby community over the last few days goes to show just how adored Jack was as a person.”

Jack leaves behind three children – Alfie, 13, Florence, nine, and Tate, 10 months.

Restart, the official charity of the Rugby Players Association, is managing Jack’s JustGiving Campaign.

To support the appeal, visit