"Syd was a gentleman and a sporting giant. Well known in Ballymena circles but a name abroad in the sport of rugby that is respected and honoured. He was a Freeman of Ballymena. An honour he cherished.
I met him on many occasions both in his capacity as Chairman of World Rugby and as a Ballymena constituent and he was always a gentleman and full of great life stories. Little wonder he inspired many to go onto great achievements of the sports filed and to carry those skills with them in the life’s work.
To his family I express my condolences and know they will find comfort in the many happy memories they had with their father and grandfather."