The 43-year-old former wing’s Toyota Hilux was found submerged in the River Aln, Northumberland, four days before his body was recovered from deep water further downstream.
Opening an inquest at County Hall in Morpeth, Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington said Mr Voyce was last seen at around 11.45pm on Saturday, December 7 when he left the Queen’s Head pub in Glanton.
His wife Anna reported him missing the next morning when she realised he had not returned home, the coroner said.
Tom and wife Anna. (Image: Northumbria Police)
A search of the River Aln revealed his car, which was unoccupied, had been swept downstream from the ford at Abberwick “as a result of storm water”, Mr Hetherington said.
The coroner said the car was found in 7ft of water.
Searches of the Aln involving the emergency services and volunteers continued and his body was found “in deep water” on December 12 by a member of UK Search and Rescue at Old Abberwick Mill, Mr Hetherington said.
Extensive searches were carried out to find Mr Voyce’s body. (Image: PA)
The coroner adjourned the inquest and said the hearing will conclude on April 1.
After his death, Mr Voyce’s widow said in a statement: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel.”
The couple, who had a son, Oscar, moved to Northumberland where Mr Voyce set up a business, having previously worked in banking after he retired from rugby.
Tom Voyce. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
His wife Anna said previously: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel.”
“My main focus now is our son Oscar, having done what he asked, ‘find Daddy’.
“All of Tom’s family were involved in the search. I will be forever grateful to my brothers Hugh and Jamie, Aidan Philipson and Garry Whitfield for coordinating the search party working alongside the police teams.
Floral tribute left near the scene. (Image: PA)
“Tom would be blown away by the amount of people that were out there helping. We have all been overwhelmed by the support of friends, many travelling from far afield to help with the search.
“We are just so lucky to live in such a special community that pulled together to find Tom.”
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Former teammates expressed their shock and sadness when he went missing, including messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio.
Mr Voyce started his senior playing career at Bath, then spent six years with Wasps where he helped them win European and domestic titles, before leaving to join Gloucester in 2009.
He won nine caps for England and made 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.