Ex-England prop Robin Cowling passes away aged 82
A general view of Sandy Park, the home of the Exeter Chiefs
Ex-England, Gloucester and Leicester prop forward Robin Cowling has passed away at the age of 82.
Across a two-decade playing career, Cowling helped Gloucester win the County Championship and featured in three victorious John Player Cup finals with Leicester Tigers.
He also won eight Test caps for England, and played for the Barbarians.
Robin Cowling passes away aged 82
After retiring, Cowling joined Exeter Chiefs as forwards coach, before moving over to scrum coach under current director of rugby Rob Baxter. He then took up a post within the club’s academy set-up.
Commenting on the passing of Cowling, Exeter boss Baxter said: “I cannot express enough how much Robin contributed to the success we have had as a club and to the success some young players, in particular those from Cornwall, have had because of his absolute determination to get the best out of people.
“My first experience with Robin was when he would bring young players up from Cornwall to train with the senior group. The amount of time he was prepared to invest in them to give them an opportunity to become professional players was admirable.
“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.
“Personally, Robin and I had a great relationship. He was a no-nonsense type of man who appreciated hard work and sacrifice to the important things. He played a huge part in my transition into the head role at the club.
“I was very fortunate to work with him for several years and we had some great moments. Achieving promotion to the Premiership and then beating one of his old clubs in our first fixture are just two highlights, but there are also our early trips to France in the European competitions which will always stand out to me.
“He is a great loss to the rugby community, particularly to Cornwall and he will be greatly missed by us all.”
Chiefs CEO, Tony Rowe, added: “This was incredibly sad news to receive. 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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Gloucester statement
In a statement, Gloucester said: “Gloucester Rugby is saddened to learn of the passing of former Cherry & White, Robin Cowling (#1318).
“Cowling made his first of 216 Gloucester appearances in 1967 and became a regular prop by 1970-71, earning county recognition for his powerful performances.
He played in Gloucestershire’s County Championship campaign and enjoyed a breakthrough 1971-72 season, helping Gloucester win the first RFU Knock-Out Cup and Gloucestershire claim their first County Championship title since 1937.
“A mainstay of the Gloucester pack in the early 1970s, Cowling played more than 50 top-level matches in 1972-73 and also represented Western Counties against the All Blacks. After moving to Leicester Tigers in 1974, he won eight England caps, represented the Barbarians, and helped Leicester secure three successive John Player Cup victories before retiring in 1981.
“Everyone at Gloucester Rugby sends their sincere condolences to Robin’s family and friends at this sad time.”
A Leicester Tigers statement read: “Leicester Tigers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Robin Cowling.
“Cowling played in Tigers’ four consecutive John Player Cup finals from 1978-1981 – of which they won three – and made 184 appearances in total in Green, Red and White.
“The prop joined Tigers from Gloucester Rugby in 1972 after appearing in five consecutive cup finals for the Cherry and Whites via the Western Counties in New Zealand, before he made a fine career in Leicestershire.
“He made eight appearances for England from 1977-79, with his first being a Calcutta Cup against Scotland. Arguably his finest moment in the white of England came against France a year later, as he bravely played on with a dislocated shoulder as his side had already used their replacements.
“After retiring from rugby union, Cowling moved to Cornwall, where he became a farm manager.
“The thoughts of everyone at Leicester Tigers are with Robin’s loved ones.”
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