Irish rugby mourns sudden death of Willie Duggan at 69

The sudden death of former Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions player Willie Duggan took place this morning and has seen an outpouring of sadness in Irish rugby circles and the wider rugby community.

The news was made public by Leinster Rugby via Twitter.

Duggan has 41 International caps for Ireland. He made his debut in 1975 and finished his international career in 1984 as captain.

In 1977, the renowned No.8 was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour.

In January 1977, he - along with Wales' Geoff Wheel - became the first player to be sent off in a Five Nations match.

On one occasion during a match against France, he ran onto the field smoking a cigarette, which he eventually handed the cigarette to referee Allan Hosie, who was pictured holding the cigarette in the television coverage.

"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.

"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.”

Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson after the sudden death of former Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions player Willie Duggan this morning:

"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.

"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.”