Leicester Tigers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player David Bird, aged 79.

Born in Broughton Astley in Leicestershire, David was well known as a teacher in the county as well as for his 13 years with the Tigers.

Scorer of 86 tries in 285 appearances as a wing, he marked his debut with a score against Bedford in 1960 and did not make his final first-team until 1973.

Known inevitably as ‘Dickie’, the outstanding game of his career was in the colours of Midland Counties against New Zealand at Welford Road at Christmas 1963, just two days after a first appearance in the Tigers’ annual match against the Barbarians.

He was also the club’s top tryscorer that season and again in 1967/68, and was a regular visitor to past player reunion events at Welford Road.

Tigers chairman Peter Tom, a former team-mate in club colours, said: “David Bird had a long and successful career with the club. He was very quick and scored a lot of tries from the wing.

“I pass condolences on behalf of everyone at the club to his family and friends.”

The family have said that a memorial service will be staged at a later date.