Scotland's last grand-slam-winning rugby manager Arthur Hastie has died at the age of 87. Tributes flooded in for the former rugby coach who led Scotland to glory at the ultimate Five Nations Championship in 1999.
Arthur gave his life to rugby having started as a ball boy at the Kelso club he later progressed to helping flatten the pitch as a teen before eventually getting his shot. He played as a hooker and later captained the team.
Having been a selector for both the South and Scotland teams, he soon progressed, firstly to manager of the Scotland sevens team and then to manager of the Scotland team in August 1996.
Announcing the news, his son Graeme Hastie wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to advise that Arthur Hastie, KRFC legend, Ex SRU team manger and general great man, passed away today. Incredibly hard to describe how his passing leave’s a huge hole in all our lives, particularly for our Mum." Tributes and condolences flooded in from former players who had played under Arthur.
Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, who was a pivotal member of that championship-winning team, said: “Arthur was a well-liked and successful team manager. As a player, I always enjoyed good banter with him.”
Ex-Scotland international Craig Chalmers wrote on Twitter: "That is very sad news. Arthur was a great Kelso & South man. He was also the Scotland selector who called me to let me know I was getting my first cap. He was a great rugby man who we had many laughs with over the years. Thought’s are with Bunty & Hastie family. RIP Arthur."
A statement from the game’s governing body said: “Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to all Arthur’s family and many friends.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
