The former Leinster coach Brian McLoughlin died yesterday morning after a long illness. He was 61.

McLoughlin attended Blackrock College and, playing at number eight, captained the school to its 50th Leinster Senior Cup win in 1964. He also captained Leinster Schools teams.

At senior level, he captained Blackrock College RFC in three seasons and coached Leinster from 1990 to 1992.

He also worked with the IRB and ERC on matters of discipline and attended the 2003 World Cup as a disciplinary officer.

He was for the past three years chairman of the Leinster Management Committee, which runs the professional game.

Outside rugby, McLoughlin took a BA degree at University College Dublin, became a solicitor and built a thriving legal practice in Bray, Co Wicklow. He was keen on many sports and was a member of Killiney Golf Club.

The Leinster chief executive, Michael Dawson, yesterday described McLoughlin as "a man of great humour . . . someone who readily gave his time freely for the game of rugby", and added,

"He was hugely respected both in Leinster and across the country and his passing will leave a massive void for his family and many friends. Our thoughts are with his wife, Vonnie, and children at this difficult time."

Brian McLoughlin is survived by his wife, Vonnie (Veronica), daughters Kyra and Lynn, and son, Stephen.