The annual Supporters’ Awards Night hosted an emotional tribute to a club favourite at the home of the Leicester Tigers on Tuesday evening.

As well as honouring the supporters’ pick as Player and Young Player of the Season, the Best Newcomer and the Outstanding Service recipient, a special Tigers Family Award was presented to the family of Tudor Thomas, the club’s former first-team secretary, president and honorary secretary who sadly passed away at the end of last season.

Tudor’s wife Barbara was joined by grandsons Steven and Kieran to accept the award from head coach Geordan Murphy to warm applause from a room of more than 300 guests including the Tigers first-team squad and coaching team as well as supporters.

Kieran said: “The club has meant such a lot to all of the family over so many years. The support from everyone for mum and dad has been tremendous.”

The Tigers Family Award was established to recognise the wide appeal of the Leicester Tigers as well as the dedication and commitment of the people around the team.

Tudor Thomas began his association with Tigers in the 1960s, as team secretary with the Swifts and then the Extras, before becoming first-team secretary in 1978 just as Tigers were establishing themselves as the Cup Kings of English rugby, while Barbara organised the first club shop and was still involved with the club on matchdays well into the new millennium.