‘Explosive and committed’, Nevin was a future great

The young Ulsterman certainly proved to be just that, putting himself on the line for his club and country on many occasions, including during that infamous try at Bath when he got the five points for Ulster during their Heineken Cup clash, landing on his head on the hardened winter ground. But the points were what mattered.

Neil Hinds, the Master in Charge of Rugby at Wallace High School, said he has ‘fond memories’ of his time with Nevin.

He commented: “Nevin arrived at Wallace from Dromore High School in 2006 and quickly settled into school life. He was a talented and hard working pupil who made friends easily both in class and on the rugby field. He loved the team ethos and the camaraderie with his team mates and opposition.

“He was an explosive and committed player who was blessed with an abundance of pace, agility and coordination. Nevin was a match winner, a go to man and a game changer.

“He gave everything he had on the pitch to attain victory and left everything on it.

“The Wallace High School wish Emma, a speedy recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with her and the whole Spence family at this time.”

David Humphreys, Director of Rugby at Ulster said this week: “Nevin was a dream player to work with. He was the epitome of what we were looking for. On days when nobody else wanted to come in and train, he was there leading from the front.

“All he wanted to do for the remainder of his career was to stay here, win trophies and be successful for Ulster. He brought his commitment, his passion and his enthusiasm every time he played.

“The characteristics that he showed when he played, those were very much transmitted into how he conducted himself off the pitch.”

Shane Logan, Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby, added: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his team mates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.”

Former Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin stated: “Nevin was not just super rugby player, he was a super guy, bright and breezy. He was full of life and fun to be with and a delight to coach.

“He was really into his religion and his beliefs, but he would never force anything on you. He was just so honest, and a lovely bloke. It’s heart-breaking.

“I keep having flashbacks of Nevin, and one that continually recurs is that brilliant try he scored in the right hand corner against Bath in December 2010. He ended up doing a head flip after he had dived in. It was the first image that came to mind when I woke up, and now I just can’t get it out of my head.”