Clive Rowlands: Wales' 1971 Grand Slam coach dies aged 85

Clive Rowlands was inducted to the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame successful 2013

Former Wales scrum-half, captain, coach, manager and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) president Clive Rowlands has died astatine the property of 85.

As a subordinate Rowlands captained Wales successful each of his 14 Test appearances from 1963-1965.

At nine level, Rowlands played for Pontypool, Llanelli and Swansea earlier turning to coaching.

Rowlands, who earned the nickname 'Top Cat' successful rugby circles, was renowned for his passionate motivational methods and during his coaching stint Wales won 18 of his 29 games.

After coaching helium moved into rugby administration, managing Wales erstwhile they finished 3rd astatine the inaugural Rugby World Cup successful 1987.

Two years aboriginal helium filled a akin relation arsenic the British and Irish Lions bushed Australia 2-1.

He was besides president of the WRU successful 1989-90, a play of contention successful the game.

• Rowlands' portion successful the crippled that 'almost killed' Test rugby

Away from athletics Rowlands was a keen promoter of the Welsh language, and a regular and insightful commentator connected rugby matters connected BBC Radio Cymru.

He successfully overcame superior unwellness doubly successful his life.

Rowlands spent 2 years successful a sanatorium arsenic a kid recovering from tuberculosis, a illness which claimed his sister Megan's life, and successful the aboriginal 1990s helium overcame bowel cancer.

A qualified teacher, helium played nine rugby astatine scrum-half for Abercraf, Pontypool, Llanelli and Swansea.

In spite of his occurrence and fame successful Wales, Rowlands' bosom was successful his tiny location colony of Upper Cwmtwrch successful the Swansea Valley, wherever helium lived until his death.