Rugby fans paid tribute to popular club figure Tudor Thomas ahead of the Leicester Tigers victory over Newcastle Falcons at Welford Road on Saturday. 

The former Tigers first-team secretary and club president passed away this summer at the age of 89.

Just before kick-off to the first home game of the new Gallagher Premiership season, Tigers held a minute’s silence in his memory and the club’s Past Players Association later unveiled a lasting tribute in the Droglites Bar at the stadium.

Tudor’s long service to the Tigers began more than 40 years ago after moving to the area from his native Wales and he became first-team secretary in 1978. He remained in post until 1993 as well as serving as club president and became honorary secretary at the beginning of the professional era in 1995. He was awarded life membership of the Tigers in 2007.

Tigers legend Dean Richards, now director of rugby at Newcastle, unveiled a plaque in Tudor’s memory in the company of his widow Barbara as former players including  Lewis Moody, John Duggan and Steve Kenney packed into the Droglites Bar in the Mattioli Woods Stand.

Read the full tribute read out ahead of kick-off below. 

“At the end of last season we were deeply saddened by the loss a favourite member of the Tigers Family and we would like to pay tribute to him ahead of this first home game of the season.

“Tudor Thomas was a hugely popular figure at Tigers as team secretary, honorary secretary, president, life member and, of course, matchday announcer here at Welford Road. 

“We pass on our condolences to his family and friends, and we ask you all now to stand and join in a Minute’s Silence in his memory. 

“As a tribute to Tudor, there is only one way in which to begin … shhhhhhhhh”