BRITISH and Irish Lions legend Ronnie Dawson has died aged 92.
The Dubliner played in six Tests as Lions captain – a record which was later equalled by Martin Johnson.
He passed away on Friday after battling a lengthy illness.
“Ronnie Dawson was an iconic figure in Irish and international rugby, whose impact transcended many eras,” said Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) chief executive Kevin Potts.
“He made significant impressions as a player, coach, manager and administrator for Wanderers, Leinster, the Barbarians, the British & Irish Lions, World Rugby and Ireland.
“He was a quintessential leader and leaves a lasting legacy which will never be forgotten.
“We extend our sympathies to his daughters Sandra and Jackie, his son Nigel and a very wide circle of family and friends at this sad time.”
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont also paid tribute, saying: “Ronnie Dawson had a huge impact on rugby at every level of the game.
“Whether it was at his club, Wanderers, the IRFU and the British and Irish Lions as captain and coach, or off the field in running the sport, Ronnie leaves an enduring legacy.
“It is thanks to him, and that first ever 1987 organising committee, that today we have the incredible celebration of international rugby that is the Rugby World Cup.
“The thoughts of everybody at World Rugby go out to Ronnie’s family and friends at this sad time.”
In a statement, the British and Irish Lions described Ronnie as a “true Lions legend”, adding: “Ronnie was a giant of the sport who will be sadly missed.”
Ronnie’s daughter, Sandra Dawson, took to X to spread the news of his passing.
She wrote: “Our fabulous dad, Ronnie Dawson, has passed peacefully (92).
“An Irish amateur rugby player who led his club, province, country, barbarians and British & Irish Lions (1959), we’ll celebrate his life and world rugby will unite in memory.
“Rest easy dad.”
As Lions captain, Ronnie led the team to their only-ever victory agains the All Blacks at Eden Park in 1959.
He also had a distinguished career in the Irish national team as a hooker, who he represented 27 times between 1958 and 1965.
In 1958, Ronnie scored a try to beat Australia.
After retiring as a player, he went on to a successful career in rugby coaching and administration.
He coached the Lions during the 1968 South African tour, before becoming the first ever Irish national team coach in 1969.
As a Lions coach and selector, he is described by World Rugby as having “laid the foundations of the Irish coaching system”.
He was then appointed to the IRFU executive committee in 1970 and became IRFU present for the 1989-90 season.
