Former Ireland and Leinster rugby coach Roly Meates has died aged 85 after a long illness, the rugby community mourns the loss of a respected coach and the IRFU pays tribute to his influential career.
Who was Roly Meates?
Roly Meates was a former Irish rugby coach who died on Wednesday after a long illness. He was a respected figure in the rugby community, having coached the Leinster and Ireland rugby teams throughout his career.
Meates was born in Dublin in 1936 and began his rugby career as a player for Bective Rangers. He later became manager of Bective as well as Leinster teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
In addition to his work with Leinster, Meates has also been involved with the Irish national team. He was an assistant coach for the team during the 1980s and 1990s, and was briefly named head coach in 1990 after the resignation of Jim Davidson. During his career, he was the coach of the national team in various periods.
Roly Meates was also a respected teacher of physical education. During his career he worked in several schools across Ireland, including Presentation College Bray, where he was Head of Physical Education. Many of his former students are credited with instilling in them a love for sports and fitness that has remained with them throughout their lives.
Meates was also involved in the Leinster branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and was president from 2004 to 2005. He was a respected figure within the organization and known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to promoting good sportsmanship and fair play.
Outside of rugby, Meates was involved with the IRFU Charitable Trust and was one of the trustees responsible for monitoring the foundation’s activities. He was also a respected figure in the community and was known for his commitment to education and mentoring.
Meates’ departure was met with an outpouring of tributes from the rugby community in Ireland and beyond. Many praised his contribution to the sport and his impact on the lives of those he coached and mentored. He will be remembered as a legendary figure in Irish rugby and a beloved member of the community.
Roly Meates Cause of Death
Former Ireland and Leinster coach TW Roland ‘Roly’ Meates has died aged 85 after a long illness. Known for his iconic pipe smoking and respected as an expert brawler, Meates demanded the utmost loyalty from his devoted followers. However, his coaching skills extended far beyond the huddle, revolutionizing coaching techniques in Ireland.
After studying at high school and pursuing a career as a dentist, Meates played as a prop for Dublin University, Wanderers and Leinster, achieving notable success and earning his colours.
His coaching career, ahead of his time, began at Trinity, where he spent an incredible 30 years from 1966 to 1996. He later served two separate five-year spells as Leinster head coach in 1970 and 1995. In 2000, he returned to Leinster as scrum coach. for an additional seven years.
Meates also had the honor of coaching the Irish team for two seasons from 1975 to 1977. Notably, they secured a remarkable 13-12 comeback win over England at Twickenham in 1976 and produced strong performances against Fiji and New Zealand on tour.
Renowned for his expertise, Meates was a candidate for the role of head coach of the British & Irish Lions in 1971 and 1974, demonstrating the high regard he was held in the rugby community.
Recalling his interview experience, Meates shared a humorous anecdote about discussing rugby strategies with Carwyn James and Roy Bish in an unexpected setting – an ice cream shop. His astute observations during the interview showed his supreme knowledge of the game.
In addition to his coaching skills, Meates was known for his witty personality and sense of fun, which made him great company. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Heather, his family and his large circle of friends. May he rest in peace. The funeral of Roly Meates will take place at Sandford Parish Church in Ranelagh on Tuesday 11th July at 11.30am.
What happened to Roly Meates?
The rugby community is paying tribute to the late Roly Meates, former Leinster and Ireland coach, as the IRFU leads the tributes. Recognized for his lifelong commitment to Irish rugby, Meates has made significant contributions as a prop player for respected teams such as Dublin University, Wanderers and Leinster. Moving into coaching, he honed his skills at Trinity, where he played a key role in the team’s preparation for three decades.
Meates also held a coaching position at Leinster, leaving an indelible mark on the team over two separate five-year spells. His coaching skills shone through during his tenure with the Irish national team from 1975 to 1977, including a remarkable comeback win over England. In addition to coaching, Meates has taken on leadership roles as chairman of the Irish selection committee and as a respected scrum coach, hosting valuable clinics across the province.
In addition to an impressive administrative portfolio, he served as chairman of the Leinster branch, while also coaching the first provincial under-19 team. Meates’ dedication extended to his involvement with the IRFU’s Rugby Committee, and he held influential positions in organizations such as the Irish Universities Rugby Union and the IRFU’s Amateur Status and Medical Committees.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Meates has received prestigious awards including the Leinster Rugby Special Merit Award and the Tom Rooney Award from the Rugby Writers of Ireland. While Leinster and the IRFU express their sincere condolences, they fondly remember Roly Meates as a true legend of Irish rugby.
How did Roly Meates die?
The rugby world is mourning the loss of the respected Roly Meates, former Ireland and Leinster coach. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this influential person who dedicated his life to sport. Roly Meates, affectionately known as the scrum guru, has made a lasting impact on the game through his coaching skills and administrative input.
Prior to his coaching career, Meates showed his skills as a prop player for Dublin University, Wanderers and Leinster. However, he truly flourished in the sphere of coaching. His remarkable 30-year tenure at Trinity University cemented his reputation as a meticulous and dedicated mentor. Further demonstrating his coaching acumen, Meates took over as Leinster head coach during two different five-year spells.
During his time in charge of the Irish national team from the mid-1970s, Meates led the team to a memorable comeback win over England at Twickenham in 1976. His expertise extended far beyond tactical strategies, as he prioritized precise player preparation, focusing on standard work , skill development and physical fitness.
Particularly renowned for his mastery of scrummaging, Meates has run valuable scrum clinics across his home province, sharing his knowledge and nurturing future talent. In addition to coaching, Meates has left an indelible mark on Irish rugby through his administrative contributions. As president of the Irish electoral commission, he played a key role in shaping the national team.
He has held prestigious positions including the presidency of the Leinster branch and the Irish Universities Rugby Union. Meates’ commitment to the sport is further demonstrated by his involvement as a trustee of the IRFU Charitable Foundation.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Meates has received prestigious accolades including the Leinster Rugby Special Merit Award and the Tom Rooney Award from the Rugby Writers of Ireland. His passion for coaching extended to the school teams, where he led training sessions and inspired the next generation of players.
The IRFU extends its deepest condolences to Meates’ family and friends at this difficult time. The board and staff join the rugby community in remembering the outstanding legacy of Roly Meates, a respected scrum coach and true leader of the sport.
A funeral service for Roly Meates will be held at Sandford Parish Church in Ranelagh on Tuesday 11th July. We gather to honor and celebrate his profound impact on the rugby fraternity.
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Source: HIS Education