The IRFU have paid tribute to a "titan of rugby union" after the death was announced of Irish rugby great, Syd Millar, at the age of 89.
A legendary figure within the sport, Millar was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1958 and 1970, playing on three Lions tours, later serving as a coach and high-profile administrator.
News of his death was announced this evening by his club, Ballymena RFC.
IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts described Millar as a "visionary figure" who "helped re-shape the global game."
"Syd Millar was a titan of Rugby Union, both in Ireland and globally. A talented player who represented Ballymena, Ulster, Ireland, the Barbarians and the British & Irish Lions with distinction, he was a respected coach and manager and in latter years was a leading administrative figure who helped reshape the global game.
"Syd was a visionary who helped navigate the testing waters as the game moved from amateurism to professionalism.
"A past president of Ballymena Rugby Club, Ulster Rugby and the IRFU, Syd's influence helped drive the global expansion of the sport. His is a legacy which will endure.
"On behalf of the Irish rugby community I would like to express my sincere condolences to his daughter Lesley, sons Peter and Johnny at this sad time."
Having been elected to the IRFU Council in 1992, subsequently being made President in 1995, Millar was appointed IRB vice-chairman in 2002.
The high-point of his administrative career was reached when he assumed the role of IRB chairman - the forerunner of World Rugby - in 2003, serving a four-year term and presiding over the 2007 World Cup.
He stepped down as both IRB chairman and IRFU President in 2007.
Millar, a prop forward, made his Irish debut against France in Colombes in 1958, winning 37 caps over the next 12 years, a considerable haul in an era where international matches were more infrequent.
The Ulsterman was an ever present in the side until 1963, though subsequently fell out of favour for a four year period, only earning a recall in 1968.
He was a core part of the Ireland 1969 side which won their first three games in that year's Five Nations, but missed out on the Grand Slam in the final game in Cardiff.
His last cap for Ireland came in the 14-0 win over Wales in Lansdowne Road in 1970.
Millar featured on Lions tours in 1959, 1962 and 1968 - but his most significant involvement with the team was as coach of the unforgettable tour of South Africa in 1974, when the Lions famously won 21 of their 22 matches, being controversially held to a draw in the final test.
He succeeded Ronnie Dawson as Ireland coach in 1973, guiding the team to the Five Nations Championship in 1974 - the first outright title win for 23 years.
He departed the role in 1975.
Already President of Ulster Rugby, Millar was appointed as Ireland team manager during Mick Doyle's reign in the mid-1980s, briefly taking over as coach again when the latter fell unwell during the inaugural World Cup in 1987.
Ulster Rugby tweeted in tribute this evening, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Ulster, Ireland, and British & Irish Lion Legend, Syd Millar CBE.
"His contributions and legacy will forever be etched in rugby history.
"Our thoughts are with his daughter Lesley, sons Peter and Johnny and family during this difficult time."
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Ulster, Ireland, and British & Irish Lions legend, Syd Millar CBE, who was a member of @ballymenarfc.
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 10, 2023
His contributions and legacy will forever be etched in rugby history.
Our thoughts are with his daughter Lesley, sons Peter… pic.twitter.com/32KqXn20RI
The British & Irish Lions tweeted: "Rest in Peace Syd.
"There aren't many people who have given as much to the Lions, or our sport, as the great Syd Millar.
"Three tours as a player, one as a series winning coach and another as a manager.
"He also served as a committee member, selector and chairman.
"It all adds up to an amazing nine tours over six decades.
"All our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed."
Rest in Peace Syd.
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) December 10, 2023
There aren't many people who have given as much to the Lions, or our sport, as the great Syd Millar.
Three tours as a player, one as a series winning coach and another as a manager.
He also served as a committee member, selector and chairman.
It all adds… pic.twitter.com/5uutp2doMy
Current World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont described Millar as a personal "inspiration" in his role.
"I know that I speak on behalf of colleagues and the global rugby family when I say that Syd Millar was a giant of the game on the world stage.
"As influential in the boardroom as he was brilliant as a player, coach and manager, Syd was a natural leader and visionary, someone who cared deeply about the sport, its people, values and future.
"Syd led the sport through some of its most defining moments, driving forward the expansion and development of the sport beyond its heartlands. He was an inspiration to me, and many aspiring administrators, and he will be greatly missed."
