Tributes paid to rugby great

TRIBUTES were paid last night to Irish great Des O’Brien who has died aged 86.

O’Brien played for Ireland in their Grand Slam-winning team of 1948 and later managed the British and Irish Lions on their 1966 tour of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The former back row forward died at his home near Edinburgh on Christmas Day, the Irish Rugby Football Union announced.

IRFU president Andy Crawford said: “The IRFU would like to pass on its deepest sympathies to Des O’Brien’s family at his recent passing.

“Des served both Ireland and his club with great distinction and he will be sorely missed. His name will remain synonymous with the 1948 Grand Slam, but his services to the game went beyond his first international season, where he went on to captain Ireland.& May he rest in peace.