British and Irish Lions legend Ronnie Dawson, captain of a record six Test matches and a member of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, has died aged 92.
Dawson, who died on Friday after a long illness, led the Lions in six Tests, a feat matched only by Martin Johnson.
He infamously led the side to their only ever win against the All Blacks at Eden Park in 1959 and represented Ireland 27 times between 1958 and 1965.
After nearly missing selection to lead the touring party in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, having put down the letter before reading that he would be made captain, Dawson captained the team that recorded a 9-6 victory achieved on an area that was considered a fortress.
Dawson became assistant manager and coach of the 1968 Lions tour and was appointed as Ireland’s first recognized coach in 1969, a role he held for three years.
Between 1956 and 1965 he represented the Barbarians 22 times.
After retiring, Dawson was elected to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Executive Committee in 1970 and became the IRFU President for the 1989–90 season.
Dawson also acted as Ireland’s representative on the International Rugby Board (IRB) for twenty years, between 1974 and 1994, and was a member of the Rugby World Cup organizing committee for the inaugural tournament held in 1987.
His contribution to rugby was recognized by the IRB in 2004 when he received the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service.
In 2013 he was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.
“Ronnie Dawson was an iconic figure in Irish and international rugby, whose impact transcended many eras,” said IRFU CEO Kevin Potts.
‘He made a huge impression as a player, coach, manager and administrator for Wanderers, Leinster, the Barbarians, the Lions, World Rugby and Ireland.
“He was a quintessential leader and leaves a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. We extend our condolences to his daughters Sandra and Jackie, his son Nigel and a very wide circle of family and friends at this sad time.”
More to follow.
