Easton Roy
13 Jul 2020Scottish Rugby is saddened to learn of the death of the man labelled the “ultimate champion of our game,” Easton Roy.
Easton died last week at the age of 97 having continued to play for Stirling County since the 1950s.
Scottish Rugby Interim Chairman John Jeffrey said: “Easton was the embodiment of why so many of us love rugby. Just because he reached a certain age, there was no reason for him to turn his back on the fun and camaraderie that are part and parcel of our game.
“On behalf of Scottish Rugby, I send my sincere condolences to all his family and many friends at Bridgehaugh and beyond. He was the ultimate champion of our game.”
Easton was described as the world’s oldest amateur rugby player by no less than CNN when he played on the wing in a charity match to mark his 95th birthday two years ago. He followed up by appearing again on his 96th birthday last year and had a charity match been able to proceed this past March, he would have played in that too.
Originally a prop, it was only at the age of 21 that the former roofer, who was also a keen rower, boxer and judoka, took up rugby when he was in the RAF.
Legend has it, that Easton even cut short his honeymoon to play in a game of a rugby . . . where, at least he scored a try!
Image credit: Bryan Robertson / Stirling County
