Welsh rugby president dies

WELSH rugby was in mourning yesterday 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 yesterday, 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 them.” said WRU chairman 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 IRB.

“He took over as President of the WRU 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.

There will be a full tribute paid to Rowlands at the game against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.