FORMER teammates, past players, pundits and supporters have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Saints legend Tom van Vollenhoven, who has passed away, aged 82.

Here are a selection of the immediate tributes and thoughts.

Peter Harvey‏ @Red2440:God bless Leonie his wonderful wife who wishes to be remembered to everyone in St Helens who knew her. She told me so herself last weekend.

Eddie Cunningham‏ @cunners4: My hero as a kid, the flying Voll,met him a couple of times I played at Saints, legendary #RIP Voll.

Paul Wellens @pwello80: Sad news at the passing of the great Tom Van Vollenhoven. Many have told me he was on a different level, would’ve loved to have seen it. RIP.

Alan Hunte‏ @alanhunte: Sad news that @Saints1890 greatest winger Tom Van Vollenhoven has died. Privilege to meet you & attempt to follow in your footsteps RIP #TVV.

Stuart Pyke‏ @stuartpykesport: In my youth I was privileged to see Tom van Vollenhoven play. One of the greatest RL wingers of all time. Sad, sad news to hear he has died.

Dave Swanton(Swanny)‏ @SwannyMediaMan: Sad to hear the news that RL icon Tom Van Vollenhoven has died.

John M James‏ @JohnMJames1: Sad news Tom Van Vollenhoven passing away. I never saw him play, but knew how much he meant to older @Saints1890 fans. #Icon RIP.

RedVee.Net‏ @RedVeeDotNet: Saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Van Vollenhoven. Club legend, absolute gentleman. Rest in Peace.

Dan Retief‏ @Retief_Dan: Sad to hear of the passing of "The Von" - scorer of a test hattrick vs Lions and rugby league legend RIP Oom Tom van Vollenhoven.

Jim Mills‏ @millsjim44: Very sad news Tom Van Vollenhoven has died in S. Africa, Former Springbok and St Helens Legend. RIP.

mike lee‏ @miketomlee: Proud to say that a few years ago with my grandad I met the greatest wingman to ever play for @Saints1890. RIP Tom van Vollenhoven.

Daniel Thomas‏ @TLW1Dan: RIP Tom Van Vollenhoven. One of the Saints greats I deeply wish I could have seen play.

On Facebook Andrew Daniels wrote: "R.I.P Tom van vol.. saints legend an true gentleman. Every time tom touched the ball my dad had to pick me up as the crowd rose. Saints greatest ever signing. His heart never left this town.

Jim Woodward R.i.p.voll. Vreatest winger I have ever seen,and a true gentleman and sportsman.