Jack will be remembered in England’s Six Nations clash
HEARTFELT tributes will be paid during England’s Six Nations clash with Wales to an Evesham rugby player who died scoring a try for his beloved side.
England Rugby have confirmed that Jack Jeffery will be recalled to Twickenham on Saturday February 26 ahead of the game.
The news follows emotional scenes at Sixways on Friday February 18 when Worcester Warriors presented two special shirts to honor the 27-year-old during the Gallagher Premiership game against Bristol Bears.
Jack, 27, died from injuries he sustained while scoring a try at Berkswell & Balsall last Saturday.
Warriors have invited Jack’s parents, Glenn and Angi, his twin brother Charlie, his sister Daisy and her partner, Chris, as well as the first team, coaches, staff and officers from Evesham to the Bristol game as special guests.
Glenn, Charlie and Daisy lined up with the Evesham squad for a minute of applause before kick-off alongside the Warriors and Bristol squad.
At half-time, club captain Ted Hill presented the Jeffery family and the Evesham club with two Warriors shirts with the number 11 and the name Jeffery on the back and signed by the entire squad of players.
Evesham has announced he will be retiring his number 11 shirt in perpetuity as a mark of respect for Jack and clubs across England will also be retiring their number 11 shirt this weekend.
After the Bristol game, the Jeffery family were invited into the dressing room where hooker Niall Annett spoke movingly offering them the condolences of everyone at Sixways.
“We knew Jack’s family was here today and it was hard not to get emotional,” lock Matt Garvey said.
“That minute of applause with the boys of Evesham was emotional. How can you not use that as motivation to put on a performance.
“We had the family with us in the locker room with us at the end of the game. We had a beer with them, shared a few words and offered our support.
“This club is above all a community. We want to be part of it. We want to help each other. When they suffer, we suffer.
“We told them they were our lucky charm today. Niall gave a great speech inside. That was our motivation for us today and I hope it was something their family could be proud.