Former Wales coach Bowring dies aged 70

Kevin Bowring was the 11th man to officially coach Wales

Former Wales coach Kevin Bowring has died at the age of 70.

Bowring became Wales' first full-time professional coach when he took over in late 1995.

He led Wales in 29 matches with 15 wins and 14 defeats before leaving the role in 1998.

In September 2001 English rugby's governing body the Rugby Football Union (RFU) appointed Bowring as its head of elite coach development.

Bowring stayed at the RFU until his retirement in 2016 but afterwards continued to mentor young coaches as a coach development consultant, including spending some time with the Welsh regional coaches.

Bowring was born in Neath and was a product of the Neath Grammar School.

He played a few games for the Neath senior side in the back row alongside his boyhood idol Dai Morris, the former Wales flanker.

Bowring spent nine years with London Welsh where he appeared in 268 games, captaining the club for three seasons and representing the Barbarians on three occasions.

A teacher by profession, Bowring hung up his boots at 32 when he took up a job at Clifton College.

His first taste of coaching had come as a 20-year-old when he worked with the Briton Ferry RFC youth squad.

Bowring became involved with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) set-up where he worked his way through the ranks, coaching the Sevens, under-21s and Wales B sides.

After initially being caretaker coach as Wales beat Fiji in November 1995, Bowring took permanent control and was in charge for 28 more games.

He was tasked with trying to help Wales cope with the move to professionalism and also integrating returning rugby league players back into the union set-up.

Bowring was seen as seen as one of the great thinkers of the early professional game and he wanted his national side to play in the traditional expansive way associated with Welsh rugby.

His reign as Wales coach ended after he resigned following a heavy 51-0 defeat by France in the 1998 Five Nations at Wembley.

After working as a lecturer in Cardiff Met university, Bowring was appointed to his RFU role.

'True rugby man'

Tributes have been paid from across the sport.

London Welsh said in a statement: "London Welsh is extremely sad to hear of the passing of another legend of London Welsh, Kevin Bowring.

"Whilst Kevin did not play for Wales like so many other greats at London Welsh, Kevin would hold the historic honour of being the first professional coach of the Welsh National side from 1995 to 1998.

"Always one of us, never forgotten."

WRU community director Geraint John said: "So sad to hear the news that Kevin Bowring has passed away. A true rugby person, a friend, mentor to myself & many people around the world. Sending love & condolences from myself & all at the Welsh Rugby Union to Wendy and family. One of the best."

Cardiff Rugby said in a statement: "We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Kevin Bowring.

"An incredibly kind, knowledgeable and passionate rugby man who has been a mentor to so many over the years.

"Our thoughts go out to Kevin's family and friends at this difficult time."

Former Wales forward and much-travelled coach Phil Davies described Bowring as "a wonderful man and a true gentleman. An amazing advocate for coaching and has influenced so many a true trail blazer."

Fiji Olympic-winning Sevens coach Ben Ryan said: “Mentored me, taught me, moulded me. Pushed my thinking upstream, when as a young coach I only ever swam downstream. Made me always want to learn, to grow. A beautiful man and I will carry his spirit in all I continue to do. Rest in Peace Kev."

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions back Dafydd James posted: "Extremely sad news to hear of the passing a great rugby man with an outstanding vision for how the game should be played, but also very good man. Sincere condolences to the family and friends."

Warren Abrahams, the former Wales women's coach, wrote: "RIP Kevin Bowring! I will be forever in debt for the support and guidance you’ve given me. The words of wisdom during my hardest coaching role will always be appreciated. Your final words “belief in yourself” will inspire me for the rest of my life."

Former England and Lions hooker Brian Moore said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Kevin Bowring - a great Welshman and equally good player."