Tributes to Gloucester Rugby legend ‘Springy’
WORLD Cup winner Phil Vickery is among those who have paid tribute to Gloucester Rugby legend Graham Spring, who has died after a short illness.
Bosses at Kingsholm announced the “deeply sad” news after the former stadium announcer – known by everyone as ‘Springy’ – died on Monday.
He was the voice of Kingsholm for 40 years, having operated the PA system since 1978.
Vickery was among dozens of Gloucester players past and present who paid tribute.
He said: “Dreadful news... no one loved the club more than him and I will certainly never forget his wonderful way.”
Mr Spring stepped down from his role at the end of the 2017-18 season after his first game on the mic was on 2 September 1978, when Broughton Park visited Kingsholm.
A club spokesperson said “Graham’s devotion to the role meant that he incredibly only missed nine games during his career”.
The club’s commercial director and former second row Alex Brown, said: “Springy was a truly wonderful character and the life and soul of matchday at Kingsholm for so many years.
“He brought so much energy and passion to every match day without fail, connecting players and fans alike.
“Graham will be fondly remembered by us all at Gloucester Rugby, and our deepest sympathies are with Graham’s wife Sylvia and his loved ones.”
Ex-Gloucester prop and captain Andy Deacon, now director of rugby at Longlevens RFC, added: “Graham was a permanent fixture whilst I played for the Cherry & Whites.
“When he spoke you listened, he was unflappable and coped with every situation he faced.
“With the introduction of fanfares ahead of the games Gloucester relied on Graham with his warm, friendly, informative announcements.
“He would speak to players ahead of the games and was a genuine nice man who did his job incredibly professionally, with a whole lot of pride.
“My thoughts go to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Former media manager at the club, Duncan Wood, took to social media to pay his condolences.
He tweeted: “So sad to hear that former Gloucester Rugby matchday announcer Graham Spring has passed away.
“He was an essential part of the Kingsholm matchday experience and an absolute gent to me – a pleas
Dreadful news... no one loved the club more than him and I will certainly never forget his wonderful way PHIL VICKERY
ure to work with. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Springy.”
A tribute will be made to Graham at the club’s match on Friday against Exeter Chiefs.