Syd Hynes dead at 80: Leeds Rhinos legend tragically passes away after a battle with illness
Rugby legend Syd Hynes has tragically passed away at the age of 80, his former club Leeds Rhinos has confirmed.
Hynes has entered West Yorkshire folklore, with the former center, born in Leeds, making 366 appearances for the club between 1965 and 1976, scoring 158 tries.
He subsequently coached the club, initially as a player-coach, with Hynes winning multiple trophies during his tenure, including consecutive Challenge Cup victories in 1977 and 1978.
Hynes moved to Australia in the later years of his life and died in Perth after a short illness.
Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington, who had kept in touch with Hynes during his retirement in Australia, paid tribute to him.
“It is a sad day for the club to lose a legendary player, captain and coach, who had incredible character,” he said.
Rugby legend Syd Hynes has tragically passed away at the age of 80
Hynes (right) is written into folklore with Leeds Rhinos after shining as a player and coach
The former center (left), who lived in Australia in his later years, died after a short illness
‘Our thoughts are with his two nieces and Syd’s many friends, both here in England and further afield in Perth.
‘We will pay tribute to Syd during our match on Boxing Day and we will also look to organize an event where his former club and country teammates and opponents can come together in due course to celebrate his life.’
Hynes also represented both Great Britain and England, making seventeen appearances in the international arena.
In honor of his numerous achievements, the former center was inducted into the Leeds Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2019.
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