Former Ireland and Lions captain Dawson dies aged 92



Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions captain Ronnie Dawson has died at the age of 92.

The Dubliner, who represented Ireland 27 times between 1958 and 1965, passed away on Friday after a long illness.

Dawson captained Ireland 11 times and led the Lions on their 1959 tour of Australia, New Zealand and Canada. He played in six Tests as Lions captain, a record which was later equalled by Martin Johnson.

As captain on that 1959 tour, the Leinster hooker skippered the Lions to a famous 9-6 win over New Zealand at Eden Park - their only other victory on the ground apart from England's 1973 success.

Dawson was also appointed assistant manager/coach of the 1968 Lions tour and became the first coach of Ireland in 1969, a role he held for three years.

He also represented the Barbarians 22 times between 1956 and 1965, including their 1957 tour to South Africa.

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