TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of rugby league icon Jackie Reid on Tuesday.

Mr Reid, 87, of Egremont, was a popular figure in the game, having spent time as a player and a BARLA official, whilst also being instrumental in securing the future of the Cumbria Sports Academy, in Hensingham.

Cumberland ARL chairman, Roger Blair, said Mr Reid would be a big miss to the game.

"He was our league president and has been for some time," said Mr Blair.

"I was lucky enough to go on tour with Jackie a number of times with BARLA. He was always a great ambassador for BARLA and he loved getting involved with the teams.

"Going back to an Under-18 tour of New Zealand, he had Garry Schofield, Mike Ford and Andy Gregory all playing in that team.

"And if you ever meet any of them, they all remember Jackie fondly. He was a very popular man, lovely to know and very passionate about the game.

"If I ever needed advice he would point me in the right direction. It was a pleasure to know him.

"He was so down to earth and he wanted the best for the lads. He didn't like politics in the game, for him it was about getting the lads on the park and seeing them progress.

"On behalf of the Cumberland ARL I would like to pass on my condolences to his family."

Jackie began his rugby life at the grass roots with Egremont Rangers, serving the Gillfoot Park club with distinction for more than 30 years as a player and official.

Between times he played professionally for Whitehaven, a member of the legendary team which beat Australia at The Recreation Ground in 1956.

Since hanging up his boots much of his life was dedicated to BARLA, travelling the length and breadth of the country to promote the game as well as managing several BARLA international tours overseas and sitting on the BARLA Board as senior vice president before being named president in 2012.

His name was also added to the Rugby Football League’s roll of honour which recognises outstanding service in both amateur and professional sides of the 13-man code.

Jackie Beech, who served with Mr Reid on the stadium committee, added his tribute.

He said: "He will be a big loss to the game. He did so much voluntary work behind the scenes and put so much time and effort into rugby league.

"A lot of people don't realise how much work he did, he was often on the road for BARLA meetings in Huddersfield.

"And also his work at the stadium. He was organising a sportsman's evening and working so hard on it as that is how we raise funds to keep going. We will all miss him."

Haven chairman Tommy Todd added: "The news was very sad to hear. When we had the RFL's touring heritage exhibition earlier this year he came down and brought some mementoes for everyone to see.

"Whenever he came down to the club he was always cheery and willing to help out in any way.

"He was just a good all-round ambassador for rugby league and a proper gentleman."

Mr Reid, whose wife Lily died back in 2011, is survived by his two sons, John and Paul.