Gloucester Chairman Walkinshaw Paid Tribute

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New York (GaeaTimes.com) — Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw, who after battling with cancer was given a tribute today. He was 64 at the time of demise.

Walkinshaw, also famous in the world of motor sport became the Gloucester owner on April 29, 1997 after buying a majority shareholding.

He was chairman of Premier Rugby, the top-flight clubs’ umbrella body, between 1998 and 2002 and helped establish stability after a chaotic period for the newly-professional sport.

In his four years regime as chairman, Premiership Rugby introduced the salary cap and the average attendances in the Premiership increased by 33%.

While paying tribute to Walkinshaw, Bath’s former Gloucester player Olly Barkley twitted,

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Tom Walkinshaw. Amazing man. My thoughts are with his family and close friends. Be safe.

On the other hand, Mark Foster, now with Exeter, also posted,

Saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Walkinshaw, a great man who has done so much for Gloucester Rugby over the years. Will be missed greatly, my thoughts go out to his family.