Doyle, (63) was in a car which was in a collision with a lorry on a stretch of road at Quinn's Corner near Dungannon, on the Omagh to Dungannon road in County Tyrone.

He coached Ireland to the Triple Crown and the old Five Nations Championship in 1985. Ireland's Triple Crown this season was their first since Doyle's team achieved the feat 19 years ago.

Doyle also won 20 consecutive caps as a flanker for Ireland between 1965-68, touring Australia with Ireland in 1967 and South Africa with the British and Irish Lions the following year.

IRFU President, John Quilligan in paying tribute to the 'larger than life character of great popularity," said, "It is with a great sense of shock and sorrow that I have learned of the death of Mick Doyle. On my own behalf and that of the Irish Rugby Football Union, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to Mandy and all the Doyle family on their tragic loss.

"Mick Doyle leaves an indelible mark on Irish rugby as a player of distinction, having won 20 caps for Ireland between 1965 and 68 and also as a coach of renown, having led Ireland to Triple Crown victory in 1985.

"He gave the game great service in his associations with Ireland, the Lions, U.C.D., Blackrock College, Garryowen, Cork Constitution, Cambridge University and Edinburgh Wanderers as a player, and then with Leinster and Ireland as a selector and coach.

"More than that, Mick was also a larger than life character of great popularity, who will be sorely missed in all rugby circles. May he rest in peace."

In addition a staement from the Ulster Branch IRFU read, "It is with great shock that the Ulster Branch of the IRFU learned of the tragic death of Mick Doyle this morning.

"As well as being a distinguished player and coach, he was also one of rugby's great characters who will be sorely missed.

"All at Ulster Rugby extend their deepest sympathies to the family circle."