Peter Tom, who succeeded Walkinshaw as chairman of Premiership Rugby, said: “I and everyone at Leicester Tigers was deeply saddened to hear the news of Tom’s death.
“He was a central figure in the development of the professional club game in this country and in Europe, and he was a positive influence as chairman of his club and also as chairman of Premiership Rugby.
“Gloucester is a traditional hot-bed of the game and Tom was a major force in the club’s development on and off the field in the professional era.
“He was a dynamic chairman of Premiership Rugby and, although we had our rivalries when our clubs met, he was always a gracious host at Kingsholm and a welcome guest at Welford Road. Club rugby in this country is all the poorer for his passing.
“I spent a lot of time with Tom over the 15 years and got to know him well. I counted him as a close friend within the rugby community and I send my condolences to Tom’s wife Martine and their family as well as to the officials, players and supporters of Gloucester Rugby.”
