Leeds legend Syd Hynes remembered after death aged 80

Tributes are being paid to Syd Hynes after the rugby league legend's death at the age of 80 was confirmed by Leeds Rhinos.

Hynes played 366 games for Leeds, featuring in a trophy-laden period for the club in the late 60s to the early-70s, before coaching the club to glory that included successive Challenge Cup triumphs in 1977 and 1978. From 1975 to 1981, Hynes guided them to seven finals and they won every one, including those back-to-back Wembley triumphs.

The locally-born, one-club player - who played at centre - was inducted into the Leeds Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2019 and represented England and Great Britain. A high point of Hynes' playing career was scoring a try in Great Britain's decisive third Test of their 1970 tour to Australia, helping them to secure the Ashes with a 21-17 win - the last time they achieved that feat.

He passed away following a short illness in Perth, Australia, where he lived for many years.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington, who stayed in touch with Hynes throughout his retirement in Australia, said: “It is a sad day for the club to have lost a legendary player, captain and coach, who was an incredible character. Our thoughts are with his two nieces and Syd’s many friends both here in England and over in Perth. We will pay tribute to Syd at our Boxing Day game and we will also look to organise an event for his former club and country team mates and opponents to come together to celebrate his life in due course.”

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