Ireland and Lions legend Millar passes away

Former Ireland, Ulster and Lions legend Syd Millar was chairman of the IRB [now World Rugby] from 2003 until 2007

Former Ireland prop and British and Irish Lion player, coach and manager Syd Millar has died aged 89.

He then coached the hugely successful Lions series win over the Springboks in 1974 and was manager of the tour to South Africa in six years later.

Millar was also chairman of the IRB [International Rugby Board, now World Rugby] from 2003 until 2007.

Ballymena native Millar was also manager of the Ireland national side at the Rugby World Cup in 1987.

A legend at Ulster, where a pathway at the club's Kingspan Stadium bears his name, Millar spent 22 years at his local Ballymena club and he featured for the Barbarians side on 10 occasions.

He won 37 caps for Ireland from 1958-71 and he retired from playing in 1972.

When he retired from playing Millar took up a role as president of the Ulster Rugby Union in 1985 before taking on the same role with the Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] 10 years later. He was also chairman of the Lions from 1999-2002.

Already on the IRB council, he was appointed vice-chairman in 2002 and became interim chairman the following year following the death of Vernon Pugh.

He was elected as chairman - the highest administrative role in world rugby - later that year as he presided over the 2003 and 2007 World Cups before he was succeeded by Bernard Lapasset.

Ballymena Rugby Club said it announced the passing of "highly esteemed" Millar with "deep regret".

"On behalf of everyone connected with Ballymena RFC we extend our sincere condolences to his daughter Lesley, sons Peter and Johnny and family."

The British and Irish Lions posted on social media: "There aren't many people who have given as much to the Lions, or our sport, as the great Syd Millar."