Scotland rugby cap at last for former Lomond pupil

A former Helensburgh schoolboy has been awarded a Scotland rugby cap – 30 years after the match was played.

Robb Scott, who attended Lomond School, toured the South Pacific with the Scotland team and played in the 21-10 victory by a ‘Scotland XV’ against Fiji in Suva.

But Scott, who played lock for London Scottish, was one of more than 50 ‘forgotten internationals’ represented their country in matches which at the time did not have test status.

This week the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board decided that these players, many of whom played in ‘service internationals’ during World War Two, would be honoured retrospectively.

SRU president Colin Rigby said: “Those individuals who wore the thistle with pride and distinction, whether in Services or Victory internationals during and after the Second World War, or who played under the label of a ‘Scotland XV’ against other nations, will now join the fabled ranks of the 1,140 other men to have been capped by Scotland since 1871.

“Given this year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Union, we wanted to look afresh at our history and recognise the rich and enduring contribution those players have made to our game.

“Awarding a cap retrospectively may seem purely symbolic or belated by some people, but I know from conversations with some of those players and their families what this decision will mean to them and that granting cap status will be cherished.”

All 56 retrospective capped players will be added in a panel after Scotland’s most recent new cap – Cameron Henderson of Leicester Tigers, who was cap number 1140. Their numbers will run forward from 1141 to 1196.

Mr Rigby added added: “Our plan is to reach out to the relatives of those sadly no longer with us and conduct a cap presentation for those from the Services and Victory international matches in tandem with our annual poignant service of remembrance at the war memorial at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Armistice Day in November.

“Therefore, we welcome contact from any relatives of those players from the 1940s, so we can begin to plan for that ceremony.

“Thereafter, we will look to award caps during our home matches in next year’s Guinness Six Nations Championship.”