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Former England lock Dave Sims dies aged 52
By Ian Cameron
Former England second row Dave Sims has died at the age of 52 of a suspected heart attack.
Sims won three caps for England as well as playing for Gloucester, Exeter Chiefs, Worcester Warriors and Bedford.
He won his caps under Clive Woodward during the 1998 tour of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He also played three times for the Barbarians.
Gloucester Rugby released the following statement: "Gloucester Rugby is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Club Captain, Dave Sims aged 52. First representing the Cherry & Whites via the Colts side in 1987, Sims' debut for the first team came off the bench in 1988 against Ebbw Vale. Sims went on to have an illustrious career for Gloucester Rugby, providing them with 12 years of sterling service as an uncompromising second row forward, having also played at number 8 during the early part of his career at the Club.
"Dave Sims will be forever etched into history at Kingsholm, and will remain a true great of the club. Our thoughts are with Dave's family and friends at this sad time."
Sims' playing career included a three-year stint with Warriors between 1999 and 2002. The club said: "The thoughts of all at Sixways go to the family and friends of Dave Sims."
Exeter Chiefs also paid tribute to the former playing, posting the following statement: "Exeter Rugby Club are saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden passing of former player, Dave Sims. Dave played for the club between 2002 and 2005, as well as later working at the club itself. We send our sincere sympathies and thoughts to Dave's family and friends at this time."
Former England international Stuart Barnes wrote: "To the family and friends of Dave Sims, my condolences. Playing with and against Dave was always a pleasure. A tough competitor with a dry sense of humour, he will be missed. Farewell."
There were numerous messages to the fallen star across social media from the various amateur clubs he had played for, which paid tribute to the 6'6 second row.
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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