Referees
Referees pay tribute to Brian Leigh
Tony Simpson
English Rugby Union’s elite referees wore black armbands at the start of the month as a tribute to one of Lancashire’s favourite sons and most industrious workers, Brian Leigh, who died aged 78. He first made his mark as a referee and administrator with the Manchester & District Referees Society and as a member of Wigan RUFC and was then given roles by the European Rugby Cup and the International Rugby Board, where his knowledge of the game and and over 30 years service on the RFU National Panel of Assessors made him a natural choice as the International Rugby Board’s Match Official Auditor – nominated by a southern-hemisphere union. His links with his beloved Lancashire remained strong and influential. He served as President of the Lancashire County RFU in 1998/99 and was the Honorary Secretary of the County Union for almost 20 years, becoming a Director of the newly incorporated company. Paying tribute to a friend of long standing, RFU President John Owen said, “I have known Brian for more than 25 years and he was a marvellous man. We met up frequently at rugby and social functions on our many travels. Rugby refereeing owes Brian a great deal. He encouraged many who took up the whistle and leaves a tremendous legacy, both within his native Lancashire and across the rugby world.” Said Elite Referee Manager Ed Morrison, “Brian served the game with great distinction both in his position as Hon Sec of the Lancashire RFU and also match officiating where he refereed as a member of the National Referee Panel before becoming one of the world’s most prominent Performance Reviewers. “His death has saddened the officiating fraternity, not just in England but throughout the world, where he was held in such high esteem. We have been overwhelmed by the number of goodwill messages we have received, which is testimony to the affection in which Brian was held. He was an intelligent, articulate individual with a deep passion for our game and officiating in England particular. He will always be remembered for his dedication, along with his ability to bring out the best in people.” Brian leaves three daughters and six grandchildren.
