World Cup winners Ben Kay, Lewis Moody and Sir Clive Woodward are among the former Leicester Tigers players to pay tribute to Tudor Thomas, who has died at the age of 89.

Thomas, a former first-team secretary, honorary secretary and president of the Tigers, was a popular figure behind the scenes at Welford Road and known to many supporters as the ‘man on the mic’ on matchdays with an association with the club spread over half a century since moving to Leicester from his native North Wales.

“Really sorry to hear this. Tudor was just ever present at my 6 years with Tigers and was just a great support and help on all fronts. Thoughts with his family and friend. RIP,” tweeted Woodward who made nearly 150 first-team appearances for Tigers and led England to their World Cup win in 2003 as coach.

“Very saddened to hear this news. Tudor was such a wonderfully colourful character to have around the club. Love to all his family at this time,” tweeted Moody, who was part of that successful national squad in 2003.

Kay, a double European Cup winner with Tigers and now a member of the club’s board of directors, said: “So sad to hear this news this morning. No one did more to welcome my family and I to the #tigersfamily.”

Fellow England international Andy Goode said Tudor had been a great help in his early years at the club, while TV commentator Nick Mullins added his own tribute, saying: “His smile, his warmth, his voice for so long over the PA and more latterly the handshake as he sat next to us in the commentary box. Trips to Welford Road won’t be the same without Tudor.”

Supporters joined the tributes, many commenting on the warmth of Tudor’s welcome and his dulcet tones on the microphone on matchdays.

“Loved his humour on the tannoy, leading the singing of Christmas Carols,” said @JBStamford.

“Such sad news of the passing of a true @LeicesterTigers legend. So many fond memories of a lovely man who made time for everyone at the club,” posted @H_J_S_D.

“I’m sure he’d want us to remember the fun he brought to the game. Tudor will always be a big part of my Welford Road memories,” said @Sorreltiger.

Club statistician and historian Stuart Farmer added: "So dreadfully sorry to hear of the passing of Tudor Thomas. A true gentleman, he was always a thorough inspiration for me and was instrumental in introducing me formally to the club when he was president in the 1990s. A true @LeicesterTigers legend will be sadly missed."

There are more tributes on the Tigers social media pages. You can add yours on Facebook or Twitter.