Statement: Ex-Scotland captain and British & Irish Lions star Laidlaw dies
Yesterday at 10:44 AM
Scottish Rugby has announced the passing of former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lions hooker Frank Laidlaw, who died on Monday, 31 March, at the age of 84.
Laidlaw, a key figure in Scottish rugby during the 1960s and early 1970s, won 32 caps for his country between 1965 and 1971. He toured with the Lions twice, featuring in 28 matches, including two Test appearances against New Zealand in 1966. His second Lions tour in 1971 saw the squad secure a historic series victory over the All Blacks.
Born in Hawick in 1940 and educated at Melrose Grammar School, Laidlaw played 238 games for Melrose, where he followed in the footsteps of another renowned Borders hooker, Norman Bruce. His reputation for technical skill in the scrum and dynamic play in the loose earned him widespread respect.
In 1970, he succeeded club-mate Jim Telfer as Scotland captain and famously led his side to a Calcutta Cup victory over England, their first since 1966. The Glasgow Herald’s Bill McMurtrie described how Laidlaw was carried from the field on the shoulders of teammates after inspiring the pack to a dominant performance.
Following his retirement, Laidlaw remained dedicated to the game, serving on the Melrose committee for nearly a decade and coaching youth and senior teams.
Scottish Rugby is flying the flag at half-mast at Murrayfield in his honour. His funeral cortege will pass The Greenyards on Friday, 11 April, at 2.45pm, before a private service at Borders Crematorium.
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