Rugby Union: Australia's ex-coach Templeton dies at 67

THE FORMER Australia rugby union coach Bob Templeton died from a heart attack on Sunday night, a Queensland rugby official said yesterday.

Templeton, who was 67, coached the Wallabies in 29 Tests from 1971-81. He also served as assistant coach from 1988-95, helping to orchestrate Australia's first World Cup triumph at Twickenham in 1991. He died in a Brisbane hospital after undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Templeton coached Queensland in 233 matches during a period spanning 26 years, first taking the reins in 1962 and helping the Reds to become a leading force in provincial rugby. He served as caretaker coach at the South African Super 12 team Western Province last year and was still very active on the Queensland rugby scene. He received an MBE for his services to rugby and was also widely respected in business circles, serving as the chairman of a leading company.

Templeton is survived by his wife, Jo, and his children, Andrew, Ian and Jane.

In April the International Rugby Board will consider the introduction of video referees and sin-bins, plus changes to the laws covering scrums and line-outs, following a five-day meeting of top officials.

The "Playing the Game" conference, which was organised and sponsored by the IRB, was attended by more than 60 delegates representing players, coaches, referees and administrators from each of the leading rugby-playing nations.