Leon is survived by his second wife Joan, his daughters Sara and Jane and four grandchildren and RFU President Bob Rogers said: "Leon did a huge amount for English rugby during his time. He set a standard for medical advice and procedures and was held in very high regard. I know a lot of the players are extremely grateful to him for the help he gave them over a long period of time."

"Leon was well ahead of his time. He pioneered the development of sports medicine in English rugby, although he was better known by the players for his skill in sewing ears back on," said Don Gatherer, who worked alongside him as England’s physiotherapist in the 1970s. "He was a star with a needle and a true gent, " said Wade Dooley, the former England lock.

A church service - no black please - will take place at 12 noon on Thursday January 11 2007 at St. Augustine's of Canterbury, Hospital Bridge Road Road, Twickenham TW2 6DE followed by refreshments in the ERIC Room at Twickenham. This will followed by a private family funeral. 

Family flowers only but donations may be sent to:

CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young)
Unit 7, Epsom Downs Metro Centre
Waterfield
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5LR

More information about the charity can be obtained on http://www.c-r-y.org.uk