The death took place yesterday of the former Ireland and Lions international Noel Henderson. He was 69. Both as a player and administrator he left an indelible mark on Irish rugby. His place in its history is secure. Apart from his sporting prowess - and that was immense, judged even by the most stringent standards - one could not meet a more personable man.

He was universally popular both in the world of sport and business and in whatever company he graced.

Invariably in good humour and never short of the friendly greeting, he was one of the outstanding personalities in Irish rugby for the better part of the last 50 years.

He was educated at Foyle College, Derry, and Queen's University, and the promise he showed on the rugby field in his formative years was to come to full fruition in the Ireland jersey which he wore with such immense distinction.

He made his international debut in 1949, in what is termed the golden era of Irish rugby, before he had reached his 21st birthday. He went on to win 40 caps in an international career that spanned 11 years, a striking tribute to the quality of his play and his consistency.

He won his first cap in Ireland's 13-3 win over Scotland at Murrayfield in February 1949, and a fortnight later was on the side that defeated Wales 5-0 in St Helen's, Swansea, to give Ireland the Triple Crown and the Championship for a second successive season.

He played in exalted company on that Ireland team which included, among others, the incomparable Jack Kyle, Noel's lifelong friend, who was also became Noel's brother-in-law when he married Betty Kyle, who was a distinguished hockey international. It was an alliance blessed with immense happiness.

He played in only one match in the 1950 Championship campaign because of injury, but was nonetheless chosen to travel to Australia and New Zealand with the Lions in the summer.

He played in the third Test against New Zealand on that tour on the wing. He played throughout the 1951 international campaign when Ireland once more won the Championship, being foiled of a Grand Slam by being held to a 3-3 draw against Wales in Cardiff.

He scored a crucial dropped goal in the 9-8 win over France in Dublin that year, and his dropped goal against Scotland also proved crucial in the 6-5 win in Murrayfield.

He was a regular member of the Ireland side over the next eight years and a frequent scorer. He was named Ireland captain against Scotland in 1956 and led the side for the next two seasons.

One of his greatest moments in international rugby came at Lansdowne Road in January 1958, when he led the Ireland team to a 9-6 win over Australia, Ireland's first win over a major touring team, and he scored a famous try in that match.

In the 1958-59 season, his last in international rugby, he played at full back and Ronnie Dawson took over the captaincy of the team.

After leaving Queen's University, he played for NIFC and gave that club outstanding service as player and administrator. He captained the club and was also honoured with the presidency. He proved as eminent as a legislator as he was as a player. He was NIFC's representative on the Ulster Branch for many years and is a former president of the branch.

He was a member of the Ulster and Ireland selection committees. He was a member of the IRFU for well over a decade and elected president of the union in 1990-91, an office he filled with immense distinction.

He was struck down by illness late last year and, after undergoing an operation, hope was kindled that he would make a complete recovery. Unfortunately that was not to be.

Yet to meet him, as I did last May, when he travelled to Galway for the funeral of his old friend and IRFU colleague, Chris Crowley, was to be inspired by his faith, his courage and his fortitude.

Those and his many other outstanding characteristics endeared Noel Henderson to all who knew him. The news of his death will be received with profound regret throughout the game in this country and far outside the confines of these shores. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wide Betty, to his four daughters and his extended family.

Irish rugby has lost one of its great figures, many of us a true friend. His place among the great figures of Irish rugby is assured.