We are all deeply shocked and incredibly sad to learn that Club legend, Dave Egerton passed away yesterday. Our thoughts and love go out to his family and friends.
Aged 59, Dave was a skillful and talented No.8 who was quick across the ground and had an excellent understanding of the game.
He played for Bath during their “Golden Era” of the eighties and early nineties. He was part of a formidable back row that included the likes of John Hall; Paul Simpson; Andy Robinson and Roger Spurrell. He played 163 teams for the First XV, his first game was against Exeter on 5th December 1984 and his last, almost a decade later, was against Oxford University on the 12th November 1994.
His rugby career started at Bishops Wordsworth’s school in Salisbury alongside another Bath legend, scrum-half Richard Hill, then onto Loughborough University.
A rangy 6’ 5”, he progressed through the England pathway – representing English Universities and England Students before joining his first senior club, Wasps, where his father played.
Although his international career was disrupted by injuries, he earned seven caps for England - the first against Ireland in April 1988 with his last game being against Argentina on 4th August 1990.
He was a member of the England World Cup squad of 1987, sadly withdrawing from the 1991 squad due to injury. Dave also played for the Barbarians and the British & Irish Lions in their match against France in 1989.
Off the pitch he was approachable and generous with his time – always having a story or anecdote that would bring a smile to others' faces.
Upon retirement from playing, Dave briefly moved into coaching before focusing on building his career in Financial Services.
This took him to Hong Kong between 2011-17, before he returned to the UK with his family, settling in Clifton.
A very knowledgeable rugby person, he kept in touch with the game through his work as a speaker and commentator with BBC Bristol.
Dave is sorely missed by us all at the Club - we will continue to share our tributes over the coming days and weeks, starting with lighting the Rec up on Friday night at 8pm. At the same time we kick-off away to Sale Sharks.
#bathfamily
