THE IRISH RUGBY community is today mourning the death of Willie Duggan.
The passing of the popular Kilkenny native, who was 67, was confirmed this morning.
Duggan was capped 41 times by Ireland between 1975 and 1984. The former Leinster number 8 was regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position during his career.
He was subsequently selected in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour to New Zealand in 1977.
The Kilkenny People reported that Duggan died of a suspected heart attack this morning at his home in Dunmore, just outside Kilkenny city.
“I knew Willie personally and he was a larger than life character and it’s very difficult news to digest this morning. My thoughts are with his wife Ellen, Willie Jnr, Helena and Monica and his extended family,” said Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson.
“As a rugby player he was tough as nails, a real competitor that represented his club, his country and of course the British & Irish Lions with great distinction.
“In later years he was synonymous with Kilkenny RFC but of course before that he was a Blackrock man. Willie wore every jersey with huge pride.
“Playing for as long as he did with those teams leaves a legacy and his is of a gentleman, a great family man and friend and of a warrior when on the pitch. He’ll be sadly missed but what wonderful memories he has left us with.”
Great great player and as tough as they come. Highly regarded in NZ . R I P
They broke the mold when they made him, as tough as a rhinos armor on the field, as gentle as a lamb off it. Way too young to die, a sad day for the entire Irish sports community, not just rugby. Condolences to his family who have obviously lost more than an Irish sporting icon. May he RIP.
Legend.R.I.P.
A hard player and a gent by all accounts. Absolute head of Eric Miller in that photo, uncanny.
r.i.p
Teak tough was Willie Duggan
God rest his soul RIP
@John McCabe: One of the true legends of the game. He will be sadly missed by all fans and all provinces.
@Trevor Johnston: Trevor wasn’t he a hard man in the true sense?
@John McCabe: Yes. I once met the great French Robert Paperemborde. He only knew four words of English. ‘Willie Duggan boom boom’
That was a tribute in its own.
Sadly Robert is also now gone from us
Hard on the field and a Gentleman off. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
On his retirement Serg Blanco was asked what player he admired most in his career, Willie Duggan of Ireland came the response, Why , he was asked, because ” he smoked more at halftime than I did “
One of the all time greats of Irish rugby. Part of a glorious backrow with O’Driscoll and Slattery. A pleasure to watch him in action.
@Aidan Kearney: Great back row
A true legend of his time rip
First man to be sent off in a five nations game. Completely different beast! RIP
Condolences to his family. A lot of great rugby players seem to pass way too young.
Sad news. His name is synonymous with the amateur game.
Self and a friend after dinner went looking for bob a job, 10/11 yrs old, knocked on his door, Full, Massive Cabbage bacon and Spuds. Spuds were boulders, we didn’t like CBS or want it. We finished it. Sweating cabbage. Don’t think we would of done it for anyone else.
Are you getting warmed up. “Fags and radiator in the car, plenty warmed up” RIP
@seanofiachra: not sure what you try to type…m8¡
@Fank Pulman: Your loss Fank, your loss! RIP Willie.
@Fank Pulman:
A feed of CBS for bob a job, Frank!
Late Willie put it up to 2 youngsters, for the craic.
Heard that one years ago about fags and car rad
Rip to an Irish Rugby Legend
Not a rugby head.,but if I recognise the name ,he had to be great. RIP.
May the great Willie Duggan rest in peace.