Billy Hunter

Scottish Rugby is saddened to learn of the death of the former Scotland and Hawick lock Billy Hunter who passed away yesterday (Tuesday 20 September). He was 82.William John Hunter won seven caps for Scotland between 1964 and 1967.He first played for Hawick in 1952 and went on to captain the club, while his first representative game was for the Scottish Border Club against Scottish Universities in 1958-59.Four seasons later he became a regular member of the South, which was the dominant Scottish district at that time.He made his international debut in a 10-0 home victory against France in January 1964 and a fortnight later was a member of the Scotland team that all but pulled off a heroic first win against New Zealand, the match ending 0-0.Hunter packed down with PC Brown in the engine room in his first three caps.When he returned to international duty in 1967 – on the back of playing in the South team that beat the touring Wallabies – his partner at lock was the 6ft 8in, 17st 6lbs Peter Stagg. Hunter’s 6ft 4ins, 15st 12lbs frame was more typical of the era.Hunter played throughout the 1967 Five Nations Championship, his final appearance for Scotland occurring in a Calcutta Cup defeat at Twickenham.Scottish Rugby extends its sincere sympathies to all Billy Hunter’s family and friends.