Ulster Rugby is set to dedicate a stand at Kingspan Stadium in the memory of former player Nevin Spence.
It is 10 years to the day since Nevin, his father Noel and brother Graham died in a tragic farming accident.
On the anniversary of his death, Ulster have announced plans to dedicate the Memorial Stand in his honour.
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The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand will be officially unveiled on April 26 next year – what would have been Nevin’s 33rd birthday.
Ulster said: "A gifted young rugby player, Nevin tragically passed away in an accident together with his father, Noel, and brother, Graham, on 15 September 2012 – a day forever remembered in the hearts and minds of the rugby community in Ulster, Ireland and beyond.
"To mark 10 years since his passing, Ulster Rugby has announced that the Memorial Stand at Kingspan Stadium will officially become the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand next April, on what would have been Nevin’s 33rd birthday, to acknowledge his lasting legacy across the professional and domestic game."
Supporters have been invited to join the club in honouring Nevin, Graham and Noel at the club's next game against Connacht on Saturday.
Children from his local club Ballynahinch RFC will form a Guard of Honour ahead of the game, with its mini section competing against Carrick RFC at half-time. A collection of Hinch playing jerseys from the past decade - which feature Nevin’s initials - will also be on display in the President’s Suite.
The Ulster team, many of whom have personal memories of Nevin, will wear black armbands embroidered with ‘Nevin, Graham and Noel’ on Saturday night.
Luke Marshall will also share his memories of Nevin as a friend and teammate in the official match programme. The front cover of the programme also features a painting of Nevin by his sister, Emma Spence.
Connacht Rugby will also present a jersey to the club at the captain’s coin toss ahead of the game to recognise the impact that Nevin had across Irish Rugby during his career, including 11 appearances for Ireland U20.
Speaking on how Ulster Rugby are set to mark the 10th anniversary, Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, said: “With every passing year, we are reminded of what a tragic loss the Spence family, together with the rugby community, suffered ten years ago today.
"Nevin was a talent that shone bright, both on and off the pitch, and his lasting legacy is an integral part of who we are at Ulster Rugby.
“The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand will recognise that his memory lives on for players, staff and supporters, and is our way of ensuring that he is remembered now, and for generations to come, by all those who visit our home.”
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