Robin Cowling dead at 82: Ex-England rugby star passes away as tributes pour in for ‘wonderful man’

FORMER England prop Robin Cowling has died at the age of 82, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the rugby world. The former Gloucester and Leicester Tigers front-rower enjoyed a glittering playing career before becoming one of the rugby‘s most respected coaches, helping shape the careers of countless young players. Robin Cowling has unfortutely passed away Credit: Getty Cowling passed away at the age of 82 Credit: Ben Queenborough Cowling won eight England caps, represented the Barbarians and starred in three John Player Cup final victories with Leicester after helping Gloucester lift the County Championship. But it was his work away from the pitch that many believe left his greatest legacy. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Following his retirement, Cowling joined Exeter Chiefs as forwards coach before becoming scrum coach under Rob Baxter and later taking on a key role in the club’s academy. Exeter led the tributes, describing Cowling as a “passionate rugby man” who played an integral part in the club’s rise from the amateur game to the Premiership. Director of rugby Baxter said: “Several of those players went on to become internationals and even British and Irish Lions. I have been receiving messages for several days from players who know he changed their lives; there really can be no bigger compliment than that.” He added: “He is a great loss to the rugby community, particularly to Cornwall, and he will be greatly missed by us all.” Cornish Pirates also paid tribute on X, writing: “A wonderful man who did so much for so many young players in Cornwall. “Our thoughts are with Robin’s family and friends at this very sad time.” Most read in Rugby Union Robin Cowling was also a former player of the sport Credit: I T N Cowling had a successful career with Leicester Credit: PA:Press Association Former Exeter and Cornish Pirates forward Ross Hancock shared an emotional message, saying: “Such sad news. “So grateful to have been coached by Robin as a youngster, but even more so to have called him a friend as an adult. “A great coach. A great man.” Chiefs chief executive Tony Rowe added: “Robin was a lovely man who dedicated so much of his time and energy to helping us progress from an amateur club to a fully professional club. “I have countless fond memories of his time here with us at Chiefs. My thoughts are with his family.” Cowling is survived by a legacy that stretched far beyond his own playing days. With the former England prop remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch, but for the generations of players whose careers, and lives, he helped shape. Comment now