Leicester Tigers’ historic links with the Armed Forces and the lives of 50 former players killed in conflict are acknowledged today on Remembrance Sunday.

The continued research of club historian and statistician Stuart Farmer has recently added three more names to the list of those lost in conflict to take the total to 50.

“The number is unfortunately increasing all the time as family history projects and further research reveal more names of those who made the supreme sacrifice,” says Stuart.

That research has led most recently to the addition of Bertie Philbrick, Septimus Harper-Smith and Archie Field, scorer of 20 tries in 71 games for Tigers in the 19th Century, to the already lengthy list of those who made a first-team appearance for the club and lost their lives in the First World War.

The total now shows 23 Tigers lost in World War One, including the England international Frank Tarr, and 27 in World War Two serving with the Royal Force, Royal Navy and in the Army.

Legendary England international and Russian aristocrat Alexander Obolensky, killed in a flying accident in Suffolk; Victor Beamish from the famous Irish rugby family; and Irish centre Paddy Coote, who rose to the rank of Wing Commander before losing his life in Greece during 1941, are among those lost between 1939 and ’45.

The Leicester Tigers Foundation has plans for a Heritage Monument at Welford Road to recognise members of the Leicestershire Regiment who have played for the club and also act as a memorial to the fallen. It will also recognise those whose lives have been affected by injury in rugby or conflict, and how Tigers are working to offer inspiration and support to future generations and different cultures.

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