Former Chief Sims sadly passes away

By Mark Stevens
19/3/22

Exeter Rugby Club are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the sudden passing of former player, Dave Sims, aged 52.

The former England international played for the club between 2002 and 2005, as well as later working at the club itself as a groundsman.

Sims joined the Chiefs from National League One rivals Worcester Warriors, whom he played for between 1999 and 2002.

It was, however, with Gloucester that Sims made his name as a stand-out, second-row forward. He enjoyed a 12-year stint at Kingsholm having progressed from Longlevens club to that of the Gloucester Colts.

A former captain of the Cherry & Whites, he won his three Test caps on the Southern Hemisphere ‘Tour of Hell’ in 1998, featuring in fixtures against New Zealand (twice) and South Africa, and also represented the National Divisions XV in fixtures against South Africa and Australia.

Sims also made appearances for the Barbarians, played Divisional rugby for the South West, captained Gloucestershire to the County Championship title in 2002 and also played for England at Under-21, A and B levels.

After leaving the Chiefs, Sims played for Launceston, Taunton and Wellington, as well as a spell as head coach of Withycombe.