Burgess dies aged 73

John Burgess, a former England coach and former Rugby Football Union president, has died, aged 73. Burgess was coach of the national team for just one season but had an enormous influence within rugby union.

"His first and second rugby loves were the red roses of England and Lancashire," John Richardson, the president of the RFU, said yesterday.

"Dedicated, emotional, a loyal friend and a fierce defender of rugby union, he will be sadly missed."

Burgess was England coach for the 1974-75 season, during which time their only Five Nations win was a 7-6 effort against Scotland at Twickenham in the last game of the season. His greatest coaching triumph was masterminding North-West Counties' win over the All Blacks in 1972 - the first time an England provincial team had defeated New Zealand.