‘He was an inspiration’ – Tributes pour in as British and Irish Lions legend passes away

Legendary British and Irish Lions tourist Syd Millar has died at the age of 89.

Born in Ballymena in 1934, Millar made his Ireland debut in 1958 and earned 37 caps during his 12 years as an international.

His talents as a prop, where he was able to play on both sides of the scrum, also saw him go on three tours for the Lions in 1959, 1962 and 1968.

Following his retirement as a player, Millar then became a coach and led Ireland between 1973 and 1975, while also taking charge of the Lions during the famous 1974 series in South Africa.

The great Willie John McBride was one of the first to pay tribute to Millar after both playing alongside the prop and being coached by him.

Incredible knowledge of the game

“It’s the end of an era,” McBride said.

“It’s a big knock to rugby football worldwide because he was known right across the world. His knowledge of rugby was absolutely tremendous.

“Not only did he play right through to the top but he was also a top administrator and ended up as chairman of World Rugby, a tremendous achievement. He was very good at administration.”

After his playing and coaching days, Millar managed both the Lions – during the 1980 tour – and Ireland in the 1987 Rugby World Cup.

His focus then turned to administration and he became president of the Irish Rugby Football Union in 1995, while also being chairman of the Lions from 1999 to 2002.

Millar would be an influential figure at World Rugby, formerly known as the International Rugby Board, and was appointed vice chairman of the governing body in 2002.

After the death of chairman Vernon Pugh, he took on the role of interim chairman in 2003 and was duly appointed on a permanent basis later that year before stepping down following the 2007 World Cup.

“I remember playing with him, I was only a young man and I learned a lot from him in 1962 when we went to South Africa with the Lions. Then we went back there in 1968,” McBride told BBC Radio Ulster.

“It’s hard to believe that it will be 50 years ago next year [since the 1974 tour].

“That was a tremendous experience. We had a great bunch of players with us, who were so loyal to Syd.

“Syd was a great man manager and he kept those guys together, it was terrific. We played 22 games and we never lost one.

“He knew when to work and he knew when it was playtime. We could really relax after the game and then when it came to game days, that switch was switched on again and we were back to winning.

“He was one of those guys in life who could get the balance right. Tremendous humour, great laughs, loved a party afterwards, loved to celebrate and had many friends right across the world.”

Honours

Millar was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2003 and six years later he was honoured in the same way by the IRB.

The Lions said in a statement: “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.”

Current World Rugby chairman and former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont also paid tribute, adding: “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.

“All our thoughts are with the Millar family and friends at this difficult time.”

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