Bristol Saracens are to stage a special reception next month to honour Eric Leigh's lifetime contribution to the club.

Eric, who died in Cambridgeshire earlier this month aged 96, joined Saracens before the war and went on to make a massive contribution on and off the pitch.

Tony Swash, who was Saracens' secretary for 25 seasons, said: "Eric really was 'Mr Saracens'. He was involved with us for the best part of 75 years, as a player and on the committee. Even after moving away from Bristol about 15 years ago, he always tried to come back for club dinners and reunions.

"Eric was the ultimate gentleman, and a man who was a huge presence behind the scenes, acting as a mentor for generation after generation."

Details of the event will be announced shortly.

● Gloucestershire Under18s warmed up for their clash against Dorset and Wilts at Bristol Grammar School on October 25 (12 noon) with a 15-8 win away to Berkshire.

● Old Redcliffians are staging a former players' reunion before tomorrow's Western Counties North home clash with Southmead (1.30pm).