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England icon tragically dies as tributes pour in for wonderful man who 'did so much'

An England icon has sadly died with tributes pouring in from across his sport paying tribute to the "wonderful man" who "did so much"

[Robin Cowling]

Robin Cowling, 82, has died(Image: Ben Queenborough/Shutterstock)

Tributes have been paid to an England icon after he tragically died earlier this month.

Robin Cowling had turned out for England as a prop after an illustrious playing career where he also starred for Gloucester and Leicester Tigers in the front row. And after retiring, Cowling became one of Rugby Union's most respected coaches.

He joined Exeter Chiefs as forwards coach before becoming scrum coach under Rob Baxter and later taking on a key role in the clubs academy. And they led the tributes: "Exeter Chiefs are paying tribute to former coach and team manager Robin Cowling following the sad news of his passing over the weekend.

[Robin Cowling]

Robin Cowling played prop for England(Image: Colorsport/Shutterstock)

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"The 82-year-old was influential in the careers of countless Chiefs players in his role of talent scout as he also played a crucial role in the academy pathway, most notably at Truro College.

"Cowlings passion for the game and creating opportunities for young players was never more evident than when he would make numerous Penzance to Exeter trips each week with a car full of players, ensuring they didnt miss out on the chance to train with Chiefs."

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 said on X: A wonderful man who did so much for so many young players in Cornwall."

While 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.

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