The death took place yesterday of Harry McKibbin, a member of one of Ireland's most renowned rugby families and a man whose contribution to the game nationally and internationally made him one of the most substantial figures in the history of the game. He was 86.

Born in Belfast in July 1915 and educated at RBAI, he subsequently studied law at Queen's University and qualified as a solicitor.

He made his international debut as a 22- year-old in the centre against Wales in 1938. Despite having just one cap, he was chosen for the Lions tour to South Africa in the summer of 1938, a side captained by his fellow Irishman Sammy Walker.

In 1939 McKibbin played in all three matches in the Championship - France did not participate. Ireland beat England and Scotland but lost the Triple Crown match to Wales at Ravenhill.

Like so many other players of his era, the second World War deprived him of his best playing years. He joined the Royal Artillery, reached the rank of major and had a distinguished war record.

At the end of the war he played briefly for Instonians and while his international career was short but distinguished, he was to make a huge contribution as an administrator of world renown.

He served as an Ireland selector for four years from 1960 to 1963, was president of the Ulster Branch, and the esteem in which he was held was demonstrated when he was made the centenary president of the IRFU in 1974-'75. He received the CBE for his services to rugby in 1975.

He was one of Ireland's representatives on the International Board from 1967 to 1987 and was assistant manager of the Lions team that toured South Africa in 1962. His contribution to the game was recognised when he was inducted into the Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame.

The McKibbin family has been and is still synonymous with the Instonians club, but Harry McKibbin always maintained strong links with Queen's University and served a term as president of the University Rugby Club.

His younger brother Des, who died in 1999, was also capped for Ireland and like Harry became president of the IRFU, the only instance of brothers filling that office.

Two of Harry's sons, Harry junior and Alistair, went on to emulate the achievement of their father by being capped for Ireland at senior level. A third son, Roger, was an interprovincial and Irish trialist before injury brought a premature end to his career.

The McKibbins and the Collopys, of Bective Rangers, are the only families to have a father and two sons capped for Ireland. It is a truly remarkable family contribution without parallel in the annals of the game. However proud Harry was of the achievements, it was not in his nature to show it.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Sheila, sons Harry, Roger and Alistair and daughter Deborah.

Sincere sympathy is extended to them.