Former England and Bath coach Jack Rowell dies, aged 87

Jack Rowell OBE, the most successful coach in Bath’s history who also coached England from 1994 to 1997, has died at the age of 87.

Rowell coached Bath for 16 years between 1978 and 1994, leading the club to eight John Player/Pilkington Cup titles and five Premiership triumphs.

He left the club to take charge of England in 1994, replacing Geoff Cooke, with Rowell credited for transforming England’s style of play and winning the Grand Slam in 1995.

Rowell won 21 of his 29 Test matches in charge of England, the second-highest win percentage (72.4) behind only Eddie Jones, and led England at the 1995 Rugby World Cup when they were knocked out by Jonah Lomu and the All Blacks in the semi-final.

He stepped down from his role with England following the end of his contract in 1997 and was replaced by Clive Woodward, with Rowell returning to Bath as director of rugby in 2002.

John Hall, the former Bath captain and club president, paid tribute to Rowell following his death on Monday.

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of loss that we pay tribute to the late Jack Rowell, who passed away on the afternoon of July 1, 2024, and marks the end of an era for Bath Rugby. Many of us played under Jack for more than a decade and he was not just a coach to us; he was a visionary leader whose influence on our club, its players and supporters left a legacy that will endure through the ages.

“His strategic thinking and passion for the game transformed the club and our team into champions, both on and off the field. The numerous titles and victories we celebrated together are a testament to his exceptional leadership and deep understanding of rugby.

“Jack was a mentor and a friend to many of us and had a huge influence with our club and international careers. His ability to inspire and motivate was unparalleled, creating a tough environment where players and staff alike could thrive. Jack’s commitment was to excellence in all aspects of the game and he set a standard that made us the club we are today.

“Several former players, who were close to him, recently had the opportunity to visit and spent time by his bedside. Despite his health challenges, it was heartening to witness that his sharp wit remained intact until the very end. We grieve his passing but also celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on Bath Rugby throughout the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

“On behalf of everyone at Bath Rugby, players, staff and fans, we extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will always be grateful for the moments we shared and the wisdom he imparted. Jack Rowell was truly one of a kind, and his memory will always hold a place of honour at our club.

“Rest in peace, Jack.”