Former Wales Rugby Coach Kevin Bowring Passes Away at 70

Kevin Bowring, the former head coach of the Wales national rugby team, has died at the age of 70, leaving a significant legacy in the rugby community. Bowring, who became Wales’ first full-time professional coach in late 1995, was highly regarded as an innovative thinker in the sport. He led Wales through 29 matches, securing 15 victories during his tenure before resigning in 1998.

Born in Neath, Bowring was a proud product of Neath Grammar School and was a passionate rugby player from an early age. He played for the Neath senior team, joining his boyhood idol Dai Morris in the back row. Bowring’s playing career flourished during his nine years with London Welsh, where he not only appeared in 268 games but also captained the club for three seasons. Additionally, he represented the Barbarians on three occasions.

A teacher by profession, Bowring retired from playing rugby at the age of 32 to take a teaching position at Clifton College. His coaching journey began as a youth coach at Briton Ferry RFC, eventually leading him to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). There, he contributed significantly to various teams, including the Sevens, under-21s, and Wales B sides, before taking over as the full-time head coach of the national team.

During his coaching reign, Bowring faced the challenges of transitioning Wales into the professional era and reintegrating rugby league players into union rugby. His approach was marked by a desire to maintain Wales’ traditional expansive style of play. However, his time as coach came to an abrupt end following a 51-0 defeat by France in the 1998 Five Nations held at Wembley.

After stepping down from the Wales coaching role, Bowring was appointed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in September 2001 as the head of elite coach development. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 2016 but remained active as a mentor and consultant for young coaches, including those in Welsh regional teams.

The rugby community has expressed profound sadness over Bowring’s passing. London Welsh issued a statement saying, “London Welsh is extremely sad to hear of the passing of another legend of London Welsh, Kevin Bowring. Always one of us, never forgotten.”

Geraint John, WRU’s community director, remembered Bowring as “a true rugby person, a friend, mentor to myself & many people around the world.” Cardiff Rugby also extended condolences, acknowledging him as an “incredibly kind, knowledgeable and passionate rugby man.” Ben Ryan, Olympic-winning Fiji Sevens coach, paid tribute by saying Bowring “mentored me, taught me, moulded me… A beautiful man and I will carry his spirit in all I continue to do.”