Former Ireland and Lions captain Tom Kiernan has died at the age of 83.
The legendary former full-back was Munster’s coach when they beat the All Blacks in 1978, he was at the helm when Ireland won the 1982 Triple Crown.
Kiernan won 54 caps for Ireland and was the country’s most capped player at the time of his retirement. He also captained the team 24 times, including a famous 10-10 draw against New Zealand, and was the record points scorer with 158.
Kiernan also found legendary status as a coach, leading Munster to a famous victory over New Zealand in 1978 before winning the Triple Crown with Ireland four years later.
He was inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Kiernan also served as President of the Munster Branch, President of the IRFU, Honorary Treasurer of the International Rugby Board [World Rugby] and Director of the Rugby World Cup in 1999 to name just a few of his roles
“It is with great sadness that I pass on condolences to the Kiernan family, on the passing of their beloved Tom, on behalf of everyone in Irish Rugby,” IRFU president Des Kavanagh said.
“Tom was an inspirational leader both on and off the pitch and he helped to shape rugby into the strong and vibrant game it is today. Tom’s life will be reflected upon at our matches this weekend, and his legacy will live long in the history of Irish rugby, may he rest in peace.”
He was chairman of the Five Nations and a key figure in the formation of the European Rugby Cup in 1995, serving as its first chairman for four years.