On Thursday evening we learned of the tragic passing of Troy Palmer, a long-standing and loyal member of the Colchester Rugby family. Troy was just 24 years old.

Troy was a Colchester rugby player, man, youth and boy, but started playing rugby at the tender age of ten at Witham RFC. In his career Troy went on to achieve a number of representative honours, playing with great pride for Suffolk County, Northampton Saints, Saracens and London Broncos Rugby League. I first saw Troy play for our Colts in 2016. He was a leader on and off the pitch and when I took over as the Chairman of Senior Rugby in 2017 I spent some time with Troy talking about the transition into the men's game. He was a fine young man and his passing is a tragedy. Words cannot adequately express our sorrow at this time, but on behalf of Colchester Rugby Club I would like to pay tribute to Troy.

At the end of the 2017 season Troy was part of the Colts team that reached the final of the Eastern Counties Cup competition. Troy was then playing in the back row and despite the team losing out to a very well organised Woodbridge team, Troy had a fabulous game. He was never one to shirk a challenge and he carried hard throughout the game in an attempt to drag Colchester back into the game. He was one of the only Colts that Summer that made an effort to come to preseason training and he impressed everyone with his bravery, work ethic and attitude.

Troy's first foray into senior rugby was with the Ravens, and despite spending most of his time in Youth rugby in the back row, Troy (with just a little bit of persuasion) willingly stepped into the front row when we were short of props. Troy also had the opportunity to play alongside his big brother Gary in the Ravens - moments that I know both of them absolutely cherished. Now at this time, the Ravens were in the prestigious Zoo League, playing largely against a number of big-hitting semi-professional sides such as Canterbury, Bury St Edmunds and Old Albanians, but this didn't phase Troy one bit. He showed considerable skills and immense bravery, never backing down from a challenge. I can recall one game when he joined an elite band of props who managed to score a hat-trick of tries! Troy was pretty-much ever present that season and his bravery, commitment and respect for the game endeared him to everyone who he met on and off the pitch.

Troy was a young man who gave his best to every cause. He worked hard during his time at the Colne Rugby Academy and as a result secured a place at the prestigious Hartpury College in Gloucester - a University with a great reputation for sport and in particular, rugby. Troy graduated in November 2021 with a 2:1 degree in Sports Business Management.

The entire Colchester Rugby family would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Troy's family, friends and loved ones. Rugby was in Troy's blood and he will remain in our hearts, thoughts and memories.