FORMER Ireland Rugby captain Willie Duggan has died at the age of 67, his family have said.
Duggan, who made 41 caps between 1975 and 1984, was widely regarded as one of the best Irish players of his generation.
He toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1977, playing in all four Tests as the All Blacks won the series 3-1.
The No. 8 passed away on Monday morning following a suspected heart attack.
Paying tribute to Duggan, Irish Rugby wrote on Twitter: "Sad news today that Ireland legend Willie Duggan has passed away.
“Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. May he rest in peace."
Sad news today that Ireland legend Willie Duggan has passed away. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/HVFUfOaUXH
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 28, 2017
Leinster Rugby, his beloved province, tweeted: "Very sad news from Kilkenny this morning of the passing of Leinster & Ireland Rugby legend Willie Duggan.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. #RIP.”
After his retirement in 1984 while he was still Ireland’s captain, Duggan ran Willie Duggan Lighting Ltd, based in Kilkenny.
Leinster CEO, Mick Dawson: "Sadly missed but what wonderful memories he has left us with" - https://t.co/pa2xSpO5pg #WillieDuggan #RIP pic.twitter.com/gzTZpdQ4SK
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 28, 2017
He remained a huge supporter of the game and was one of the most revered and loved rugby players in the history of Irish sport.
Along with Wales’ Geoff Wheel, Duggan was the first player to be sent off in a Five Nations match in 1977.
Both men were sent off by referee Norman Sanson for fighting following a lineout during the game at Cardiff Arms Park.
Famously, Duggan did not consider himself to have been sent off, simply being asked by the referee "would you mind leaving the field", to which he replied "Sure not at all. I was buggered anyway.”
Paying tribute to his former adversary, Wheel said: "I don't know what he got sent off for but they ended up losing their best player and we won the game easily enough.
“Willie was a great character and an exceptionally good player.”
See More: Featured, Newsletterl
