---
title: "Ex-England player Tom Voyce feared dead following floods"
description: "Dec 10 (Reuters) - Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is believed by police to have died after going missing in a flood-affected area during Storm Darragh."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-10-ex-england-player-tom-voyce-feared-dead-following-floods/"
published: "2024-12-10T20:45:57"
updated: "2024-12-10T20:45:58"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 230
---

# Ex-England player Tom Voyce feared dead following floods

> Dec 10 (Reuters) - Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is believed by police to have died after going missing in a flood-affected area during Storm Darragh.

By Reuters · Published 10 December 2024, 22:45 SAST · Updated 10 December 2024, 22:45 SAST

## Key points
- In a heartbreaking twist worthy of a tragedy, former rugby star Tom Voyce, celebrated for his prowess on the pitch, has gone missing after his car was swept away while he attempted to cross a ford near Alnwick, leaving police and loved ones in a desperate search for answers.
- Northumbria Police are searching for former rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, who went missing after a night out with friends.
- Voyce's car was swept away while attempting to cross a ford near Alnwick; it has since been recovered.
- Authorities believe he may have tragically drowned in the river during his escape attempt.
- A prolific player for Bath and London Wasps, Voyce earned nine England caps before retiring in 2013.

## Content

Northumbria Police confirmed they received a report on Sunday morning stating that Voyce, 43, who had played for clubs including Bath and London Wasps, had not returned home after spending the evening with friends.

It is believed that Voyce tried to cross a ford near the town of Alnwick, but his car was swept away by the river’s current.

The car has been recovered by police, but Voyce is still missing.

"It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died," the police stated in a statement on Tuesday, as reported by British media.

Cornwall-born Voyce began his professional career at Bath but enjoyed his most successful years at Wasps, then based in London.

A prolific tryscorer from wing or fullback, Voyce was part of the all-conquering Wasps team that did the Premiership and European Cup double in 2004 and Voyce helped them win both titles a second time but missed their third European final victory through injury.

He won nine England caps between 2001 and 2006 and retired from the game in 2013.

"This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom's loved ones at this time," the police said.

"Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him."

(Reporting by Tommy Lund in GdanskEditing by Toby Davis)