Gloucester's rugby operations manager John Brain died suddenly on Sunday, the Aviva Premiership club have announced.
Premier Rugby express their sympathy following shock news
Gloucester's rugby operations manager John Brain died suddenly on Sunday, the Aviva Premiership club have announced.
Brain made nearly 300 appearances for the Cherry and Whites as a player and also worked as assistant coach at Kingsholm under Philippe Saint-Andre.
He then moved on to Worcester, guiding them to the Premiership, before enjoying a stint coaching the forwards at Bristol.
He returned to Gloucester in 2010 in a scouting capacity and was then appointed rugby operations director last year, a role that included scouting, players contracts and playing department budgets.
A club statement said: "Everyone at Gloucester Rugby is deeply saddened by the news today that rugby operations manager John Brain passed away on Sunday morning.
"John was a true Gloucester Rugby stalwart, representing his home town club with distinction for the vast majority of his rugby playing career.
"His passing has come as desperately sad news for everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his wife and daughters at this difficult time."
Sympathy
Premiership Rugby, the umbrella organisation of the Aviva Premiership, expressed their sympathy following Brain's death.
Rugby director Phil Winstanley said: "John was a real rugby man who played a significant role in the development of Worcester Warriors and Bristol Rugby.
"However, John was a passionate Gloucester man at heart and had three spells at the club as a player, coach, director of rugby and administrator.
"It was when he returned to Gloucester in 2010 it was clear to everyone in the game that he was where he wanted to be.
"There was no doubt that Gloucester Rugby was the club he loved. He'll be sorely missed by the whole rugby community but particularly by everyone at Kingsholm.
"The thoughts of all within Premiership Rugby go to John's wife and family."
