THE great Tom van Vollenhoven died peacefully at his home in South Africa this morning at the age of 82, his son Keith has told the Star.

The legendary South African winger – who many say is the greatest player ever to pull on the red vee – had experienced health problems over the last few years.

He passed away at the family home in Springs on Saturday at 5am South African time.

Tributes are already pouring in from across St Helens for a true sporting giant.

Tom is survived by wife Leonie, 80, son Keith, 57, daughter Lynn, 58, and five grandchildren.

Speaking to the Star, Keith said: “St Helens was always in his heart. I think he possibly regretted leaving St Helens and coming back to South Africa.

“The town was like family to him. He loved the people, the supporters, the players and everything about it.

“His best memories and most memorable moments came in St Helens.”

Voll, aged 22, arrived in St Helens in 1957 from Northern Transvaal rugby union. He scored on his debut against Leeds in front of a 23,000 gate at Knowsley Road.

In the years between 1957-68 he scored 392 tries from 408 appearances – etching his name into the town’s sporting folklore.

Arguably his most famous moment was a length of the field try, in which he exchanged passes with Ken Large, in the defeat of Wigan at Wembley in 1961.

He was the guest of honour when Saints opened Langtree Park in 2012, where he received a rapturous welcome.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Everyone at the Club and in the town of St Helens would like to express our sincere condolences to Tom's wife Leonie and to his family.

“Tom was one of St Helens' and rugby league's greatest ever players: a true great amongst greats. He lit up the game during its great era in the 1950s and 60s.

"There may be possible debate over who was St Helens' best ever player but there is no doubt over who is our most loved and revered player: it is Tom van Vollenhoven.

“His passing is of great sadness but his life and his rugby career is one only of inspiration and of heart-warming memories.

"The name of St Helens will always be much the richer because of the decade during which Tom van Vollenhoven wore our shirt with unparalleled success, pride and distinction."

Former teammate and club life President Kel Coslett added: "I was privileged to have played with such a truly wonderful player as Tom van Vollenhoven.

"But I will remember him in equal measure as a true gentleman and as a good friend.

"St Helens took Tom to its heart and Tom took St Helens to his. A real all-time great."