Robin Cowling, former England prop and Exeter Chiefs coach, dies at 82

Robin Cowling, a former England international prop who earned eight caps between 1977 and 1979, died aged 82. He made 216 appearances for Gloucester Rugby and later played for Leicester Tigers, helping them win three consecutive John Player Cup finals and representing the Barbarians before retiring in 1981.

Cowling joined the Exeter Chiefs coaching staff in 1997, serving as forwards coach, scrum coach and team manager under director Rob Baxter. He was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Premiership and in establishing a youth academy that produced players such as Neil Clark, Jason Hobson, Luke Cowan‑Dickie and Jack Nowell. Chief executive Tony Rowe and Baxter praised his dedication to developing talent and his impact on the club’s transformation from an amateur side to a professional force.