Tributes have been paid to the former Leinster and Ireland rugby player Paul McNaughton, who has passed away at the age of 69.
McNaughton, who played his club rugby for Wanderers and Greystones RFC, going on to fulfil many different roles for the latter club and he played a number of different sports to a high level.
He played soccer for Shelbourne, with whom he played in the UEFA Cup and two FAI Cup finals, in 1973 and 1975, and with Bray Wanderers.
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He played his Gaelic football at club level for Bray Emmets and Éire Óg, and at county level for Wicklow.
It was after Shels finished runners-up in the League in 1975 that McNaughton focused more on his rugby career and, having enjoyed success at club and provincial level, he made his full Ireland debut against Scotland in the 1978 Five Nations.
He went on to play 15 times for Ireland before he emigrated to Chicago in 1981 and returned to all three sports at club level when he returned home.
McNaughton became Leinster Team Manager in 2004 during Declan Kidney's brief time as head coach and he went on to become the province's director of rugby and chairman.
It was during Kidney's time as Ireland head coach that McNaughton took on the role of Irish Rugby Team Manager, a period that included the historic Grand Slam success in Cardiff.
He held the position for three years before leaving it in 2011. He also served as a EPCR board director and chairman, guiding policy on the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, and playing an influential role in EPCR's transition from Dublin to Lausanne.
McNaughton is survived by by his wife Jean and sons Conor, Cormac and Cian.
Former Ireland international Stephen Ferris said: "So sad to hear the news that Paul McNaughton has passed away. An absolute gentleman who will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. "Thanks for some great memories."
In a statement, Leinster Rugby wrote: "It is with huge sadness that Leinster Rugby expresses its condolences to the family and friends of the late, Paul McNaughton.
"He was the very definition of a ‘sports man’.
"Paul was inducted into the Leinster Rugby Hall of Fame in 2018 after a glittering career across many sporting codes, but in particular, for his contribution to Leinster and Irish rugby."
An IRFU statement read: Everyone in Irish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Ireland international and Team Manager, Paul McNaughton.
"Thinking of his family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace."
Dominic McKay, EPCR Chairman, said: "All at EPCR are hugely saddened to hear of Paul McNaughton’s passing. Many of us knew Paul well and recognise his significant contribution not just to EPCR, but to Irish rugby and the game more widely.
"Paul was a great supporter and friend of EPCR and a dedicated director who helped shape key moments in our organisation’s development. He was highly regarded by all who worked with him, and indeed knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his wife Jean and three sons, and his friends."
Bray Wanderers tweeted: "The club are saddened by the news former player Paul McNaughton has passed away.
"He famously scored both goals in the 1976 Metropolitan Cup final win over Parkvilla (Navan) at Dalymount Park.
"He also played for Shels; Ireland rugby and Wicklow GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
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