WORCESTER Warriors’ Niall Annett has described the late Cecil Duckworth as one of the most “genuine, humble men I have ever come across”.

Mr Duckworth CBE died after a short battle with illness and tributes have been flooding in for the man who many consider the saviour of Worcester Warriors.

Th Warriors hooker worked alongside Mr Duckworth in his role as an ambassador for the Acorns Children’s Hospice, for whom Mr Duckworth was also a main benefactor.

Annett spoke emotionally about the “fantastic human”.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the man,” he added.

“I was absolutely devastated that a man of that magnitude, of that genuineness has gone

“But what I do take comfort from is that his legacy is huge and not just in a rugby capacity but for the whole city.

“He was one of the most genuine, humble men I have ever come across.

“Rugby can be full of tricky characters but he was one of the good ones and I feel particularly honoured and privileged to have rubbed shoulder with him for the past seven years.

“He cared about other people which is such a quality trait to have, especially given he had so much on all the time.

“Whenever you spoke to him you always felt that he cared about

“He really cared about the city of Worcester and he was just a fantastic human.”

Director of rugby Alan Solomons expressed his admiration for the former Warriors President, insisting his presence will always be felt at Sixways.

“He was a wonderful man who has left a terrific legacy here,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to be in touch with him on a pretty regular basis and his concern was always with the club.

“But he was just such a terrific bloke and will be sorely missed by everyone.”

“It’s not just at Sixways, it’s in the county, he has made a tremendous contribution,” he added.

“He has touched people’s lives and contributed enormously to the community.

“A really wonderful, wonderful man.”