That win was for tragic Nevin: Titans

Ulster player Spence — a friend of Titans coach Andre Bester and new boy James McKinney — died along with his brother and father after they tried to save each other from being killed in a slurry tank. They were all overcome by gas after falling into the tank at the family's farm in Hillsborough, County Down, on Saturday night.

The tragedy unfolded when the 22-year-old rugby player's father Noel, 52, fell in as he tried to rescue his pet dog.

Nevin's brother Graham, 30, who is married with two children, went to the aid of his father, but was overcome by fumes. Nevin and his sister Emma, an artist well known for her paintings of Ulster Rugby players, then tried to save both their father and brother.

All three men lost their lives. Two died at the scene and the third was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Rotherham players were stunned by the news and Bester admitted he had to give them words of encouragement beforehand.

“The death of Nevin has had a big impact because we all knew him,” said Bester.