Syd Millar is chairman of the International Rugby Board

The 71-year-old from Ballymena is chairman of the International Rugby Board, Rugby World Cup Ltd and a former Irish Rugby Football Union president.

Millar made 37 appearances for Ireland as a highly-technical prop forward who could play either side of the scrum.

As a Lions player, he made nine Test appearances and coached the famous 1974 "Invincibles" to South Africa.

Millar, who already held the MBE, was also tour manager of the 1980 Lions to South Africa, and Ireland boss during the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

A successful businessman before his retirement, Millar was made an Honorary Doctorate of Science at the University of Ulster in 1992.

He has been involved in the game for over 54 years as player, coach and administrator, starting off at his home town club Ballymena club alongside his Lions partner Willie John McBride.

Even after his international days finished in 1970, Millar continued to play until his mid-forties.

Even with two new hips and a triple by-pass the energetic Millar's diplomatic footprint is still very evident in today's ever-changing world of rugby.

He plans to retire from his official duties after the 2007 World Cup.