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Earlier this afternoon (Monday 28th September), it was with deep regret that the sudden death of Brian Leigh was announced.
Brian Leigh, better known in his earlier days as a referee and administrator with the Manchester & District Referees Society and as a member of Wigan RUFC, served as President of Lancashire County RFU in 1998/99.
Brian was the Honorary Secretary of the County Union for almost twenty years, and became a Director of the newly incorporated company.
As Secretary to the County Disciplinary Committee, and the Schools & Youth Disciplinary Officer, he recorded the committee's deliberations for the last time on Thursday evening.
It is understood that, after over 30 years on the RFU's National Panel of Assessors, he was on duty in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Respected as he was within both Lancashire and on the national stage, Brian Leigh enjoyed an international reputation, as both an assessor for the European Rugby Cup and also when appointed as the International Rugby Board's Match Official Auditor, a post for which he was nominated by a southern-hemisphere union and which enabled him to travel throughout the rugby-playing world.
Many of Lancashire's member club representatives will recall the good homour with which he last addressed the General Meeting of the County earlier this month when, during a presentation to his friend Ken Jones, he paid a warm, witty and informative tribute to recognise twenty years' of outstanding service. Brian's own formidable service to the County will long remain in the memory.
It has been reported that, active to the last, Brian died shortly after midday during a regular visit to the gym.
The County's condolences are extended to Brian's three daughters, their respective familes and his many friends at this sad time.
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