Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE has paid tribute to former captain Colin Martin, who has passed away aged 83.
Mr Tom described New Zealand-born Martin as a huge influence on the Tigers and someone who paved the way for the successful eras of Chalkie White and beyond.
Martin made 272 appearances for the Tigers between 1956 and 1966, scoring 13 tries, 126 conversions and 88 penalties, despite playing in the second and back rows.
Born in Taihape, New Zealand in 1933, he moved to England to become a systems engineer with the Nuclear Power Construction Consortium.
Martin captained Tigers from 1960-63, played for the Midland Counties against South Africa, for Leicestershire and East Midlands against New Zealand in 1963 and for the Barbarians in the 1959/60 season.
“We are very sorry to hear of Colin’s passing,” said Mr Tom. “At the beginning of my playing career Colin was my captain and I remember him very fondly.
“He was a classic Kiwi, as hard as nails but very astute, knowledgeable and tactically aware.
“He had a big influence on the way the team did things and was forward-thinking, introducing coaching, for example, and a more professional approach.
“And his approach prepared the way for Chalkie White, and the eras that have followed. His influence on the Tigers cannot be underestimated. “
Mr Tom described New Zealand-born Martin as a huge influence on the Tigers and someone who paved the way for the successful eras of Chalkie White and beyond.
Martin made 272 appearances for the Tigers between 1956 and 1966, scoring 13 tries, 126 conversions and 88 penalties, despite playing in the second and back rows.
Born in Taihape, New Zealand in 1933, he moved to England to become a systems engineer with the Nuclear Power Construction Consortium.
Martin captained Tigers from 1960-63, played for the Midland Counties against South Africa, for Leicestershire and East Midlands against New Zealand in 1963 and for the Barbarians in the 1959/60 season.
“We are very sorry to hear of Colin’s passing,” said Mr Tom. “At the beginning of my playing career Colin was my captain and I remember him very fondly.
“He was a classic Kiwi, as hard as nails but very astute, knowledgeable and tactically aware.
“He had a big influence on the way the team did things and was forward-thinking, introducing coaching, for example, and a more professional approach.
“And his approach prepared the way for Chalkie White, and the eras that have followed. His influence on the Tigers cannot be underestimated. “
