Tributes paid to former Ireland and Lions great Ronnie Dawson

Dubliner Ronnie Dawson, who has died aged 92, had a hugely influential career as a player and official

Former Ireland, Lions and Barbarians skipper Ronnie Dawson has passed away at the age of 92.

Dawson was a pivotal figure in Irish rugby history, having also been appointed Ireland's first coach in 1969 and later a top administrator in the sport.

Dawson, who hailed from Dublin, played as a hooker for Wanderers and made 28 Ireland Test appearances, scoring on his debut against Australia in 1958, and was captain 11 times.

READ MORE: Ronan O'Gara shocked by La Rochelle's 'dark day' display in Top 14 meltdown

READ MORE:Brian O'Driscoll tells Ryan Tubridy about what scared him as Ireland captain in new podcast

He led the Lions a year later on their tour to Australia, New Zealand and Canada and captained the team six times in Test games - a record later equalled by England's Martin Johnson - including an historic victory over the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Dawson was later appointed as a Lions assistant manager and coach and then selector.

As an administrator, the architect by trade served on the IRFU executive committee and as the Leinster branch president before he was elected as IRFU president in 1989. More recently, he was a trustee of the Union.

On a wider scale, Dawson was a chairman of the International Rugby Board, represented Ireland on the Five Nations Committee and was part of the first World Cup Organising Committee for the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup.

IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts led the tributes for Dawson. "Ronnie Dawson was an iconic figure in Irish and international rugby whose impact transcended many eras," said Potts.

"He made significant impressions as a player, coach, manager and administrator for Wanderers, Leinster, the Barbarians, the British and Irish Lions, World Rugby and Ireland.

"He was a quintessential leader and leaves a lasting legacy which will never be forgotten.

"We extend our sympathies to his daughters Sandra and Jackie, his son Nigel and a very wide circle of family and friends at this sad time."

The British and Irish Lions also paid tribute in a statement that read: "A true Lions legend.

"The great Ronnie Dawson, captain of the Lions on our 1959 Tour, has passed away at the age of 92. "Dawson captained the Lions for all six Tests during a Tour that included 33 fixtures in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

"Ronnie was a giant of the sport who will be sadly missed."

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.