Leicester Tigers are saddened to learn of the death of former club captain John Elders, aged 84.Born in Middlesbrough, Elders emerged as a talented centre and joined Tigers from Loughborough Colleges, making his club debut in a victory over Bedford in September 1953.
A teacher at South Wigston and Alderman Newton’s schools, he went on to make a total of 144 appearances, scoring 38 tries for Tigers, was club captain 1955-57 and played in an England trial in 1956.
Elders won county honours with Leicestershire and Northumberland, and played for the Midlands against New Zealand in 1953/54 and for North-East Counties against Australia four years later.
He left Leicester in December 1958 to teach at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School and played his club rugby at Northern.
Elders became England coach for two years from 1972, enjoying away wins over South Africa and New Zealand, before becoming a selector and coach of England Schools.
In 1981, he emigrated to Australia but returned to live in the North-East in 1990.
Leicester Tigers send sincerest condolences to family and friends.
News
Ex-captain John Elders dies aged 84
5 May 2015 4:58 PM
Share this article
More news
Articles
Ex-captain John Elders dies aged 84
5 May 2015 3:58 PM
A Festive Tree-O to enjoy with Tigers Family
22 November 2024 8:00 AM
Team News | McBrien returns to lead Leicester on Derby Day
22 November 2024 11:00 AM
Team News | Tigers name strong side for Cup clash against Notts
20 November 2024 12:00 PM
7 in 7 Challenge: Super Kev returning to Tigers
18 November 2024 6:01 PM
Preview | Nottingham vs Tigers
20 November 2024 4:42 PM
Tigers victorious in inaugural WR5s Nationals
18 November 2024 12:30 PM
Preview | Tigers travel to Northampton for Derby Day
22 November 2024 1:30 PM
Ambassadors confirmed for Leicester Tigers Foundation
14 November 2024 1:00 PM