Rowlands was born in Brithdir, Bridgend, the son of a Glamorgan Constabulary Police Inspector. After attending Cowbridge Grammar School, on his father's transfer to Aberdare, Rowlands entered the second year at Aberdare Boys' Grammar School and went on to captain both the rugby (1953–54) and cricket teams (1954 and 1955). He won a Welsh Secondary School Cap in 1955, playing against England at Cardiff. He graduated from University of London and served National Service with the 1st Battalion of The Welch Regiment from 1958 to 1960.