Welsh rugby chief dies

2006-11-19 15:46

Cardiff - Welsh rugby was in mourning on Sunday following the sudden death of the president of the Welsh Rugby Union, Keith Rowlands.

Rowlands, a former Wales and British Lions player, collapsed at his home in Cardiff and died at lunchtime on Sunday, less than 24 hours after watching Wales beat Canada 61-26 at the Millennium Stadium.

"This is a huge blow for Welsh rugby and obviously a terrible tragedy for Keith's family. The thoughts of everyone involved in the game, in Wales and across the world, will be with his wife Jean, their daughter Joanne and grandchildren" said WRU chairperson David Pickering.

"Keith was a man of real stature, both as a player on the field for Cardiff, Wales and the British Lions and as an administrator with the WRU and the International Rugby Board.

"He took over as president of the WRU from Sir Tasker Watkins in 2004 and had made some telling contributions in that role. He will be sorely missed."

Roger Lewis, the WRU group chief executive, said: "Keith will leave a huge void at the top of the game in Wales. He was a man of impeccable integrity and someone who commanded huge respect.

"He was returned unopposed as chair once again this year and this will be a bitter blow to the WRU family of clubs. However, the greatest loss will be felt within his family and our sincerest condolences go to them at this difficult time.

One of Welsh rugby's all-round greats

"His CV as both player and administrator shows the calibre of the man. He will be remembered as one of Welsh rugby's all-round greats."

There will be a full tribute paid to Rowlands at the game against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, November 25, including a minute's silence before kick-off.

Born in Brithdir on February 7, 1936, the 70-year-old Rowlands became the 47th president of the Welsh Rugby Union and only the 10th former international to hold the post.

He enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Cardiff, Llanelli and London Welsh, winning five Wales caps from 1962-5.

He started three Tests on the 1962 Lions tour to South Africa, as well as the non-cap Lions match with Kenya.

He was later coach and administrator at Cardiff and the International Rugby Board's first chief executive, 1988-96.

Rowlands went on to become a director of Rugby World Cup, overseeing the 1999 tournament in Wales.

- SAPA