Leeds Rhinos: Fans asked to arrive at Headingley in good time for Jepson tribute

Former Leeds president Harry Jepson, who died on Monday, aged 96.

Chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “There will be a tribute to Harry on the big screen at 7.50pm.

“That will be followed by a minute’s silence in memory of Harry and another club legend, Ken Thornett, who has also died since our last home game.”

Arrangements for Jepson’s funeral have yet to be confirmed, but Hetherington said: “It will be a big event.

“We have had a lot of enquiries and people will be travelling over from Australia to pay their respects.”

Members of Jepson’s family, including his grandchildren and great grandchildren, will be at tonight’s game.

“It is poignant that he died on the 121st anniversary of rugby league’s birth,” Hetherington added.

“Harry was probably the only man in the world who knew people involved in the formation of the sport. The game has lost a bit of history there.”

A tribute will be paid to former Hunslet and Leeds scrum-half Frank ‘Shanks’ Watson, who also died this week, aged 93, when Rhinos take on Batley – the club where he finished his career – next Friday.

Rhinos are also mourning the death of John Hay, who made 29 appearances for Leeds in the early 1970s and also played for Bramley and Hunslet.

Hay was 63. His funeral will be held at Cottingley Crematorium next Friday, September 9 (1pm).