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November 22, 1969 - March 19, 2022
Home Town: Gloucester
Born in Gloucester. He was the grandson of Thomas William "Tom" Price, an England and Gloucester prop, cementing his rugby pedigree from birth
Attended Churchdown School and began his rugby journey at Longlevens RFC, where he quickly stood out due to his height (6ft 6in) and physicality.
Progressed through the Gloucester Colts and made his debut for the "United" (second) team.
Made his senior first-team debut for Gloucester RFC as a replacement against Ebbw Vale.
Earned his first senior start against Cheltenham
Represented England Under-21s, making his debut against Ireland in October 1990.
Made his debut for the Barbarians, one of three career appearances for the invitational side (1995, 1996, 1999).
Elected Club Captain by his peers. He led the team to the Pilkington Cup semi-final and an 8th-place finish in the Courage League One.
Made history by signing as Gloucester’s first-ever full-time professional player, transitioning from his job as a tyre salesman to a professional athlete.
Earned three senior England caps during the infamous "Tour of Hell" in the Southern Hemisphere. He made his debut against New Zealand in Dunedin on June 20, 1998.
Departed Kingsholm after 12 years and 256 appearances to join Worcester Warriors.
Captained the Gloucestershire county side to victory in the County Championship at Twickenham.
Moved to Exeter Chiefs, where he remained a formidable force in the second row for three seasons.
Transitioned into a player-coach role, moving through clubs including Launceston, Taunton, and Wellington RFC.
Served as Head Coach at Wellington RFC, guiding them to the Devon and Cornwall League title and promotion.
Remained active in the Gloucestershire rugby community, coaching youth sessions at Painswick and his original club, Longlevens.
Passed away suddenly at the age of 52 due to a heart attack.
Posthumously inducted into the Gloucester Rugby Hall of Fame, ensuring his status as a "Giant of Kingsholm" is permanently recorded.
Jill Sims
Which legacy would they have wanted?
Write a tribute in memory of Dave (David) Sims
You absolutely knew “Our Dad” would have your back – whether on the field with his physical presence and dominance or as an inspirational captain that made everyone at the club feel welcome – he was the perfect captain to take the club into the professional era and help make the changes the club would have to make. They were magical days made very special by the big giant we all called “Our Dad”
“Our Dad” he was known to us players, he was in every meaning of the word. He cared about us and about the club. He was the first guy at Gloucester to put his arm around me and bring me into the Gloucester family. His warmth, humour, loyalty and devotion was second to none. He stayed a dear friend until the end. I will always treasure the memories, his friendship and the lessons her gave me. He will never be never be forgotten. RIP our Dad.
Our Dad, as he was known and how he was introduced to me when I joined the club. It was under his captaincy that we formed the first professional outfit to play for Gloucester in 1997. In his role as captain he forged a tight nit squad that wanted to play for him, each other, The Shed and Gloucester supporters as a whole.
RIP Simmo