Jack Rowell: the passing of a giant and a friend

It is with sadness that we report the death of former England Rugby coach Jack Rowell OBE on July 1, at the age of 89. Jack was a good friend of Asian Media Group and for several years, during his tenure as CEO of Golden Wonder Foods, was headline sponsor of the Asian Trader Awards.

The six-foot seven-inch tall, Hartlepool-born Rowell (whose early career as lock was cut short by injury, but was later resumed with Gosforth RC) is probably most widely known as the coach of England Rugby team.

While in charge, from 1994 to 1997, he achieved 21 victories in 29 Tests and reached the 1995 World Cup semi-finals, while winning Five Nations grand slams in 1995 and 1996. He nurtured such talents as Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Rob Andrew.

Prior to that, Rowell had been head coach at Bath for an incredible 16 years between 1978 and 1994, a time now known as the golden era, during which the West Country club won eight John Player/Pilkington Cups and five League Championships.

In 2002 he returned to Bath as director of rugby. From 2007 to 2009 he was club president and then chair of trustees from 2010 to 2014. He was also a member of the board of Sport England 2006 to 2009 and a council member of the Prince’s Trust (2008 to 2013).

As a qualified accountant he continued with his successful business career, which included time as a director on the board of Dalgety plc and as chief executive of Golden Wonder (during which time Pot Noodle was brought to market).

In 1969 he married Susan and they had two sons.

In a recent communication, Rowell looked back fondly on his association with Asian Media Group:

“How wonderful to hear from the Solanki family and not least Kalpesh himself. It evokes many good and happy memories. Not least of the important work you are doing in the important area of Leadership and Diversity. Populations continue to evolve and mutual respect in the diversity of interests is important to oil such progress.”

Bath Rugby Club paid a heartfelt tribute in which they described his passing as “the end of an era”:

“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.”

Jack Rowell, 1937-2024