Kelso Rugby Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, captain, coach, and President of the Club, Arthur Hastie.
Arthur’s love of rugby started when he first played at Ednam school as a 6 year old during the war. His first experience of Poynder Park was as a ball boy having bribed the groundsman with a bottle of
beer. As a teenager he helped with the levelling of pitch after the war. He made his debut for the First XV as a 17 year old and went on to play for the South of Scotland at aged 20.
His move to rugby management saw him becoming a South selector progressing to Team Manager to the Scotland Seven and Scotland XV teams in the 1990s. During this time he toured widely with trips to Australia, South Africa and the South Sea Islands. He was the Manager of the Scotland team when they won the last 5 Nations in 1999.
Arthur was a huge presence at Poynder Park and a great ambassador for the Club, documenting the Club’s history in his book “100 Years in Black and White”. In recent years, despite his failing health
and eyesight, Arthur still greatly enjoyed attending all match day lunches and listening to the various versions of what was happening on the pitch!
Kelso Rugby Club extends its sincere condolences to Bunty, James, Graeme and all Arthur’s immediate family and many friends. His sense of humour and banter will be sorely missed down at
Poynder Park.
Neil Hastie
President Kelso RFC.
Arthur coached the first Kelso side to win Melrose 7s during the 1977-1978 season.
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