The recent Jan Hume Memorial and Benefit Day at Towcestrians saw club members welcome a squad of former Northampton Saints and international players and toasting the memory of Jan Hume, who tragically died at the club on 10th September 2003 after his 3rd team match against Wellingborough. The event easily exceeded the £10,000 target set to raise funds for Jan’s family.

It was after finishing his 3rd XV match as hooker at Towcestrians, that Jan suffered a massive heart attack and died in the changing rooms. He was 37 and his wife Carrie was left alone to bring up their two children under the age of five.

John Woolley, Club Chairman said, “Jan was a gentleman both on and off the pitch. He was a true clubman, he loved rugby and he played for the club for over eight years. He was a journeyman player in every sense and was always on hand to step in when asked to play hooker for the 2nd XV or 3rd XV teams. He was the type of clubman who is at the heart of every successful club and this was our way of showing our thanks for his contribution to Towcestrians RFC.’’

The ‘Latter Day Saints’, with a squad of around 25 players were cheered by an appreciative 1,500+ crowd as they saw Frank Packman lead out a star-studded XV including Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford, Gary Pearce, John Steele, Jon Sleightholme to line up along side the Towcestrians RFC 1st XV, for a minute’s silence before the start of the match.
 
Many of the regular Saints supporters in the crowd roared on their particular ‘Latter Day Saints’ favourites. The referee, David Grasoff, agreed a ‘rolling substitutes’ policy for the game, which allowed the whole ‘Latter Day Saints’ squad to take the field during the match and entertain the crowd. ‘Buck’ Shelford showed glimpses of why he is an icon of world rugby, Gary Pearce belied his years to easily play the full 80 minutes and John Steele and Jon Sleightholme showed some of the handling, kicking skills and pace which made them big favourites at Franklins Gardens and England for so many years.
 
The game was open and keenly contested and Towcestrians really had to be at their very best to contain their illustrious opponents. The Tows pack were not overawed in some tough forward exchanges against a much heavier ‘Latter Day Saints’ eight, and the backs gave a good account of themselves in such exalted company, as they carved out several good tries. At the final whistle, there was much for the crowd to discuss as they returned to the warmth of the clubhouse, but significantly, no one seemed to remember the result of the match, which was officially declared a draw by both captains.
 
Richard Titmuss, Club Secretary said, “Towcestrians recognise the wonderful support from other junior rugby clubs in Northamptonshire, their members supporters and friends, the EMRU and the RFU and we also recognise the team effort put in by the members of our own club. The club pays a big tribute to the ‘Latter Day Saints’ squad who were undoubtedly the catalyst which attracted such an excellent attendance and we very much appreciated them staying on at the club after the match to enjoy our hospitality.’’