Former Ireland coach Roland 'Roly' Meates has passed away aged 85 after a long illness.
Meates was Ireland coach from 1975 to 1977 and had two five-year spells as Leinster coach.
The Dubliner was a selector in 1982 when Ireland won the Triple Crown and was on the IRFU’s Rugby Committee from 1972 to 1984.
He was also Leinster Rugby Branch President in the 1968-69 season.
In 2008 he received the Tom Rooney award from the Rugby Writers of Ireland for his exceptional contribution to Irish rugby, which saw him become one of the foremost scrum coaches in world rugby.
