Tributes to Ian Tucker

Tributes were led yesterday by Michael Lynagh to the 23-year-old Oxford University centre Ian Tucker who died as a result of injuries sustained in a match against Saracens last Saturday. Oxford took on Major Stanley's XV, led by Nick Farr-Jones, in a match in which Tucker had originally been scheduled to play. A crowd of around 2,000 turned out at Iffley Road, including Lynagh, who now plays for Saracens, and Tucker's parents who insisted that the game went ahead. As a further tribute there was no No 12 for the University but, unfortunately, Steve Walsh (above with ball), who took Tucker's place, was himself carried off and taken to hospital after a blow to the head. After X-rays he was later released. Oxford won the match 33-24

Photograph: Peter Jay