The under 20s in South Africa have experienced significant trauma, and it remains to be seen if the IRFU will acknowledge his passing with a material gesture. Although these young players may not be familiar with Roly Meates, their coach Richie Murphy recognizes the importance of Meates’ contributions to Irish rugby. Meates excelled as both a player and coach, particularly in Trinity, Wanderers, Leinster, and Ireland.
Meates, a prop forward, specialized in the scrum and used it as a launching point for his game. Despite never being capped and only coaching Ireland for two seasons, his wisdom and respect far surpassed those who achieved more in terms of recognition. Unfortunately, Meates was undermined in 1992, which made his treatment all the more unfair.
Meates, a product of the IRFU, had a modest upbringing and was privately educated at the High School before studying dentistry at Trinity. He followed his rugby career to Wanderers on Merrion Road. He followed a traditional path to become a member of the union committee, playing for Leinster at both school and senior levels, coaching the province, and serving as a club representative before rising to the IRFU.
Though not a revolutionary, Meates was open to change, which frightened his colleagues within the IRFU. In his role as chairman of the IRFU’s amateur status sub-committee, Meates provided valuable insight during the move away from amateurism after the 1991 World Cup. Unfortunately, the IRFU failed to recognize his expertise and subsequently lost the ability to control the transition.
During the final days of the old era, the IRFU showed their incompetence by disregarding outside opinions. Meates questioned their resistance to change in the face of a rapidly evolving rugby world. His quote in the Sunday Independent in April 1992, written by Mick Doyle, highlighted the challenge the union faced. This ultimately led to Meates being ostracized by the IRFU.
Meates’ contributions to the game didn’t end there. In the early 2000s, he was sought after to coach the scrum for Leinster under Matt Williams’ leadership. His expertise and coaching, alongside Willie Anderson and Stephen Aboud, played a significant role in Leinster’s revival.
Meates’ love for the scrum extended beyond technical aspects. He recognized its value as an attacking platform for all players on the field. His frustration with the abandonment of channel one ball was well-founded, as it limited the possibilities for creative play. Meates’ contributions to Leinster were greatly appreciated.
It is unfortunate that Meates’ dismissal from the IRFU prevented him from serving as president. He would have excelled in that role and carried himself with dignity despite the insult. His loss will be deeply felt by his wife Heather and many others in the rugby community who had the privilege of learning from him.
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