Before becoming one of the top rugby administrators in the world, Ronnie Dawson captained the British and Irish Lions in a record six Test matches. He passed away at the age of 92.
Although the Irishman almost missed being chosen to lead the touring party in 1959, only Martin Johnson has subsequently surpassed Dawson’s record for the most Test matches as Lions captain.
In the book Behind The Lions, he states, “I received a letter from Mr. Bradforth, honorary secretary of the Home Unions Tour Committee.”
It began with your last name. The letter began, “Dear Dawson,” and continued, “You are invited to join the tour…blah, blah, blah… of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.” I was so thrilled to receive it that I didn’t even finish it, just putting it down with a huge “Yippee!” When I looked at it again, the final few words were, “…and to be its captain.”
Dawson gained “iconic” reputation in the game for his leadership of the Lions during that 1959 tour of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, which included 33 games and six Test matches in just four months.
Despite losing the first three Tests in a fiercely contested series against New Zealand, the Lions made history by defeating them 9–6 in front of 60,000 spectators at Eden Park. They also won both Test matches against Australia. Not even the legendary 1971 Lions were able to duplicate the achievement, which was the first time any home union players had won a Test match at the Auckland field. At Eden Park, it continues to be the Lions’ only triumph over New Zealand.
Dawson, a former hooker, played club rugby for the renowned Wanderers FC and represented Ireland 27 times between 1958 and 1965. In addition, he played 22 games for the Barbarians, including a 1957 tour of South Africa, and 28 games for Leinster.
Although he was unable to accompany the Lions on their 1962 tour of South Africa, he was named assistant manager and coach of the 1968 Lions, who were captained by Tom Kiernan. He then went on to select both the Irish and the Lions before entering the coaching profession and becoming Ireland’s first officially recognized head coach in 1969, a role he held for three years.
He was a member of the organizing committee for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and went on to chair the International Rugby Board, which is now known as World Rugby. When he received the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service in 2004 and was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2013, the IRB recognized his lifetime contributions to the game.
According to IRFU CEO Kevin Potts, “Ronnie Dawson was a legendary figure in Irish and international rugby whose impact transcended many eras.”
As a player, coach, manager, and administrator for Wanderers, Leinster, the Barbarians, the British and Irish Lions, World Rugby, and Ireland, he left a lasting influence. He left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten and was a model leader. We offer our condolences to his son Nigel, his daughters Sandra and Jackie, and a large family and friend group during this difficult time.