It is with great sadness that Pontypool RFC has learned of the passing of former captain Clive Rowlands at the age of 85.
Daniel Clive Thomas Rowlands was born at Upper Cwmtwrch in the Swansea Valley on Saturday 14th May 1938.
Educated at Ystradgynlais Grammar School and Cardiff Training College, Clive, who was a scrum half, first played for Pontypool on 21st September 1960 against Cardiff at the Arms Park when Cardiff won 9-0 and he became captain of the club in the 1962-1963 season.
He played for Wales on 14 occasions between 1963 and 1965, each time as captain.
Clive’s last match for Pooler was the 8-8 draw at home against London Welsh on Easter Tuesday 12th April 1966 and left the club for Swansea.
A schoolmaster then the proprietor of a sports shop, he was Welsh Sportsman of the Year in 1965 after Wales had won the Triple Crown earlier in the year under his leadership.
He was Welsh national coach 1968-74, during which time Wales won the Triple Crown in 1969 and the Grand Slam in 1971.
He was manager of the Welsh tours to Australia in 1978 and 1991, and was manager of the British Lions tour to Australia in 1989.
He was also manager of Wales in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
Clive was WRU President in 1989-90 season and was awarded the OBE for services to rugby.
Clive was a great character and spoke fondly of his time with Pooler.
Everyone at Pontypool RFC send their deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Clive’s family at this very difficult time.
