The ex-London Irish prop died on Friday (February 15) while at home on holiday in South Africa at the age of 31.

A minute’s silence was held in his honour at the Madejski Stadium prior to the kick-off of yesterday’s London Irish Guinness Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers.

Nick Kennedy, PRA player representative at London Irish, said: “In the time he was at London Irish, he was an excellent rugby player but also one of the nicest guys you could meet. He was always up for a laugh and a joke.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone that has ever met him.”

Pierre played for London Irish for three seasons between 2002 and 2005, making 31 appearances in the front row, and went on to join London Welsh in the summer of 2006. He had also played for Saracens and represented South Africa at U21 level.

Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the PRA, said: “On behalf of all the PRA members, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Pierre’s family. His sudden death at such a young age has come as a tremendous shock to everyone in the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”