Former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands dies at the age of 85 | Rugby Union News

Former Wales captain and coach Clive ‘Prime Cat’ Rowlands has died on the age of 85; he captained, coached and managed Wales, was additionally supervisor of the British & Irish Lions and have become president of the WRU after serving on the Basic Committee for a few years

Clive Rowlands managed the Lions to victory on their tour of Australia in 1989

Former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands has died on the age of 85, the
Welsh Rugby Union has introduced.

Rowlands, who performed 14 instances for Wales as scrum-half, additionally managed the British and Irish Lions and served as president of the WRU.

He captained his nation on every of his worldwide appearances and led the staff as they shared the 1964 5 Nations title with Scotland.

As coach, he guided the staff to a primary Grand Slam in 19 years in 1971, having retired from taking part in on the age of 29.

Rowlands managed the Wales staff to 3rd place on the inaugural World Cup in 1987, nonetheless their most profitable event, and mastermind victory for the Lions on their tour of Australia two years later.

He turned president of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1989 and was added to the Welsh Sports activities Corridor of Fame ‘Roll of Honour’ in 2013. A schoolteacher in his formative years, Rowlands battled towards bowel most cancers within the Nineties.

An announcement from the WRU stated: “The Welsh Rugby Union sends probably the most honest condolences from everybody linked with the sport in Wales to Clive’s household and mates and thanks him for his immense contribution to our recreation.”

Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw, who’s with the aspect in Turkey for his or her pre-World Cup coaching camp, stated on Sunday: “We heard that within the final hour or so. From all of the gamers and workers, we need to ship our condolences to the household.

“He was a fantastic rugby man and he is been in our ideas this morning in Turkey.”