Tom Walkinshaw, Gloucester chairman and Formula One team owner © Getty Images

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Gloucester chairman and former Premier Rugby figurehead Tom Walkinshaw has died, the Aviva Premiership club confirmed late on Sunday. Walkinshaw, the former Formula One team owner, lost his battle with cancer over the weekend.

Walkinshaw took over at Kingsholm as the Gloucester owner on April 29, 1997 after buying a majority shareholding.

He was chairman of Premier Rugby, the top-flight clubs' umbrella body, between 1998 and 2002 and helped establish stability after a chaotic period for the newly-professional sport. During his four-year stint as chairman, Premiership Rugby introduced the salary cap and the average attendances in the Premiership increased by 33%.

Walkinshaw later led the clubs' team negotiating with the Rugby Football Union over the release of England players, the details of which are now enshrined in an eight-year agreement. Gloucester never managed to win the Premiership title under Walkinshaw's ownership but they went agonisingly close, finishing top of the regular season table three times only to lose in the play-offs.

In 2003 Gloucester finished 15 points clear at the top only to be beaten by Wasps in the first ever Premiership Grand Final. The Cherry and Whites did win the 2005 European Challenge Cup, beating London Irish 36-34 after extra-time in a thrilling final at The Stoop. And only last week, Walkinshaw met with Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath to discuss the future for out-of-contract stars like Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel.

Premiership Rugby described Walkinshaw as "a driving force" over the last 15 years in the success of English professional club rugby. Premiership Rugby chairman Quentin Smith said, "In so many respects, the success of professional club rugby is testament to the vision, leadership and drive of Tom Walkinshaw. His determination and energy helped create the Premiership Rugby and European competitions we know and love today. He will be sadly missed."

Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty added, "I worked closely with Tom over the last few years, and unquestionably he was one of the founding fathers and leaders in the creation and growth of professional club rugby, not only in England but across Europe. His vision and drive was decisive in today's success, and the legacy he leaves is the enjoyment of so many each weekend of the season."

The Rugby Football Union added its heartfelt condolences with Martyn Thomas, chairman of the RFU Board, commenting, "Soon after the game went professional in 1995 Tom acquired the iconic Gloucester Club in 1997 and was at the very centre of the rugby revolution battling hard for what he felt was right.

"He was always forthright and passionate and earned huge respect because there was no doubting his commitment to his beloved club and the game. I think the fact that we were able to reach an agreement that delivered professionalism but which also protected the fabric of the game we both held dear and which will safeguard its future is to his huge credit. When the history of rugby union in England is written then Tom's name will be to the fore."

Bath's former Gloucester player Olly Barkley said on Twitter, "Very sorry to hear about the passing of Tom Walkinshaw. Amazing man. My thoughts are with his family and close friends. Be safe."

Mark Foster, now with Exeter, also posted his best wishes. He wrote, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Walkinshaw, a great man who has done so much for Gloucester Rugby over the years. Will be missed greatly, my thoughts go out to his family."

Walkinshaw will also be missed in the world of motorsport. He competed in Formula Two and Touring Cars before retiring to concentrate on his own team, Tom Walkinshaw Racing, which he launched in the late 1970s. TWR enjoyed great success in sportscars, winning Le Mans twice, before Walkinshaw moved to Formula One team Benetton in 1991.

Walkinshaw brought Ross Brawn with him and played a key role in both recruiting Michael Schumacher for Benetton and helping the German win the world title in 1994. He later took charge of Ligier and owned a controlling share in Arrows.