Leicester Tigers players have paid tribute to former player and long-serving BBC Radio Leicester commentator Bleddyn Jones after he passed away aged 72.
Club-captain Tom Youngs and fellow long-serving Leicester players Dan Cole, Ben Youngs, George Ford and Harry Wells, who all graduated through the Tigers Academy, shared a memory of their experiences with Bleddyn after hearing of his death.
"It’s a sad day for Leicester Tigers, losing a clubman like Bleddyn too soon," said club-captain Tom Youngs.
"On behalf of all of us at the club, we send our condolences to his family.
"Bleddyn has given so much to our club, on the pitch as a player for more than 300 games and after his playing days as a commentator for decades.
"It was always an entertaining chat with Bleddyn after a match; he would enjoy the wins with you and challenge you after a loss.
"He cared so much about Leicester Tigers and we will all miss him."
Youngs' team-mates shared the following words:
"Bleddyn was a real character, someone who you could tell loved rugby and loved Leicester Tigers even more. It’s a very big loss for our club."
Dan Cole
"It was always enjoyable having a chat with Bleddyn after a game, unless you had lost because he wouldn’t go easy on you. He just wanted Leicester Tigers to be successful and loved the club. I’m very sad to hear he won’t be at another game with us."
Ben Youngs
"He was a great man, who you could talk about the game with for hours. He gave so much to Leicester Tigers on and off the pitch and will be missed by everyone."
George Ford
"Bleddyn has been a part of Leicester Tigers match days for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed speaking to him after games and am sure he will be missed by everyone."
Harry Wells
There will be a minute's silence in tribute to Bleddyn Jones ahead of kick-off at Friday's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
You can read the club's Obituary for Bleddyn online HERE.
