Details of Tony’s funeral: Thursday 13th July, 1.45pm start at Lawnswood Crematorium followed by a drink at Leos. Leos number ones/rugby ties dress code or tour stash also welcome to those that have it. All welcome - hope to see plenty of you there to give him the send off he deserves.

Tony was a member of Leos for more than 40 years, a current and active committee member and served a term as Club Chairman from 2000-2003.

Whilst he enjoyed a long playing career with the club (including a 10 minute cameo in the club’s Tour Match in Dublin only last year at the tender age of 74), it was his contribution off the pitch that was legendary.

There isn’t a nook or cranny at Crag Lane that Tony hasn’t been in to investigate a problem, and he has fixed everything from the showers, toilets and electrics to the clubhouse roof, and was again one of the first to sign up as a volunteer to assist in this year’s upcoming off season maintenance days.

A regular on Saturday afternoons, both home and away, with his booming voice shouting encouragement for the lads, including the occasional bit of advice offered to stop kicking the ball away.

Tony was the true embodiment of a club man, inspiring generations of players over the years and he was a friend to and loved by all and he will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Jacqueline, and grandsons Jack and Charlie.

Further details will follow.