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Minute's Silence for loyal clubmen

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Today's match at Welford Road will follow a minute's silence in respect of two loyal club servants who died during the Christmas period.

Leicester Tigers were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Peter Herbert and Cliff Shephard, who both served the club as players and officials in their long association with the club.

Peter Herbert, a back-rower in the 1940s and 50s, passed away last weekend, aged 88.

Cliff Shephard, a winger in the 1950s and 60s as well as serving as team secretary and then first-team kitman, died last week, aged 77.

Born in March 1925, Peter played for Aylestone Athletic before making the first of his 66 first-team appearances for Leicester against Oxford University in October 1946. He was a consistent figure in the club’s back row over the following three years before returning for a final appearance in November 1952. His uncle Donald also played for Leicester in the 1930s.

Peter Wheeler, Tigers executive director, said: “Peter played an important role in the Club during the later stages of rugby’s amateur era on the general committee, as a team secretary and as President. He has not been able to be with us regularly at matches for some seasons now and we have missed his positive contribution.”

Cliff Shephard played for Leicester Schools and in a final England Schools trial before making his Tigers debut on the wing against Coventry in October 1955. He made 140 first-team appearances, scoring 36 tries, with his final appearance, also against Coventry, in October 1964. Cliff also played for Wigston Old Boys, Westleigh and Fylde as well as gaining representative honours with Leicestershire and the RAF.

At the conclusion of his playing days, he looked after the Swifts (Leicester’s third team), became team secretary for the Extras (second team) and was appointed first-team secretary in 1996. He also worked as first-team kit man until he retired from that post in 2006/07.

Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “We send our condolences to family and friends of Peter and Cliff.

“They were both true Leicester Tigers men. They gave so much to the Tigers over many years, first as players and then in important roles behind the scenes, all for the benefit of the Club as a whole.”

A minute’ silence will be observed ahead of kick-off in the Aviva Premiership match between Leicester Tigers and Bath at Welford Road. Kick-off is at 2pm. Please make your way to your places in good time.