He also had a big positive influence on future generations of players through his coaching at holiday camps, and through his school coaching at Comberton Village College, The Perse and The Leys schools.

Tom was respected and loved by all who knew him and we will always cherish his memory.

Both clubs are planning to come together in the near future (as soon as restrictions allow) to jointly pay our respects to Tom and celebrate his life and involvement in both our clubs. We will share news on this as soon we can.

Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

RIP Tom Dann
Cambridge RUFC and Shelford Rugby Club

It is with a heavy heart that I write to pay our respects to a fellow Shelford Peacock, Tom Dann, who was suddenly taken from us on the 18th February.

Tom joined the club in 2008 as a player & skills coach. He was well respected by his teammates, club members and all those who had the privilege to meet him. His enthusiasm and commitment to the Shelford community is still evident through the people who encountered him, and his loss has highlighted the legacy that he will leave.

Upon hearing the sad news, messages between Peacocks of the same era came thick and fast, remembering games of triumph and loss, and fondly reminiscing about evenings well spent on the grounds, often Tom being the source of the joviality, and fostering that environment of inclusiveness and encouragement he was best known for. His dedication to rugby was immense, and every one of his teammates loved playing with him, often the younger players learnt from him and felt him somewhat of a mentor – they adored him.

One of many memories of Tom I have, which only highlights others’ admiration of him, was during a match in which Tom was receiving some ‘off the ball attention’ from an opposition forward. The Peacocks’ response was prompt and ferocious. This is what Tom meant to his teammates, and still does.
The team would do anything for Tom, and he would repay the team by often kicking a last-minute penalty to win a match. Shelford Rugby Club’s Men’s 1st XV encountered its most successful years on the pitch in its history during his time at the club, and this was in no small part due to Tom and his commitment to the game and the club.

His work as the backs and skills coach has only solidified his legacy, and the younger players whose futures were forged by the experience he imparted on them. As described by a good friend Tom was the most “professional amateur”, he was a perfectionist. The infectious laugh, the beaming smile, the little Diddy strut, he will be sorely missed. In essence and quite simply, Tom was one of the best.

We acknowledge Tom’s wife Rachel and three sons, Oliver, Harry and Wilf, his parents James & Helen, and sister Lucy during this difficult time.

RIP Diddy, fly high our brother, we love you.

Sam Tovo

(Photo credits: Cat Goryn and Chris Fell)