Jack Rowell, 1937-2024
The Rugby Football Union has paid tribute to former England head coach Jack Rowell, who passed away on Monday 1 July 2024.
Born in 1937, Rowell was educated at West Hartlepool Grammar School and St Edmund's Hall, Oxford. He was a keen rugby player and after leaving university went on to represent Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Gosforth at lock.
Between 1978 and 1994 Rowell coached Bath during a most successful period for the West Country side, and in April 1994 he was appointed England coach, taking over from Geoff Cooke.
He led England to 21 wins in 29 Tests, as Will Carling, Rob Andrew and Jeremy Guscott flourished under his stewardship, steering England to consecutive Five Nations titles in 1995 and 1996, before stepping down in July 1997.
England head coach Steve Borthwick commented: "We are saddened to hear the passing of Jack Rowell and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
"As a player at Bath, I had the privilege of working with him when he was Director of Rugby. He left a huge impression on me; not only as someone with incredible rugby knowledge, but also a fantastic man.
"His contribution to English rugby was enormous and he will be sorely missed."
