As Leicester Tigers honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tom Crumbie today, club chairman Peter Tom says his legacy lives on at Welford Road.

Born on February 1 1868, Crumbie was Honorary Secretary for more than 30 years up to his death in 1928 and his vision played a huge part in the growth of the club in its early years, including the development of the stadium and the recruitment of many of the top players of the era.

Chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “Tom Crumbie is absolutely central to the story of the Leicester Tigers.

“The names of the Tigers and of our Welford Road home are known throughout the rugby world and much of that is due to Tom’s work of a century ago and more. He provided tireless work and leadership on behalf of the club and his work had far-reaching effects.

“As custodians of this great club, it is everyone’s aim to hand it over in a better position than you find it and that was certainly true of Tom.

“The members of the current Board are very aware of his influence in providing a strong platform to help make the club what it is today and we are honoured to follow in his footsteps.”

Crumbie is buried in Welford Road cemetery, overlooking the stadium he did so much to create.