Obituary: Brian Henderson

Brian Carlyle Henderson won 12 caps for Scotland between 1963 and 1966. He made his debut at Twickenham and his final appearance in a Murrayfield victory against England and was a pivotal part of the Scotland team that retained the Calcutta Cup for three seasons.

Henderson was something of a trailblazer. At 6ft 3ins and 15st 6lbs, he brought power and physicality to Scotland’s midfield in a generation where backs were traditionally more diminutive.

His abrasive style and ferocious defensive abilities spread fear amongst many of his opponents and led to The Scotsman christening him the “Tackling Terror.”

Born in Edinburgh in 1939, Henderson was schooled at Dalkeith High and showed a talent for many sports at a young age. He was a gifted footballer and a five-handicap golfer by his early teens, spending many days on the course at Broomieknowe, just down the road from his house.

However, rugby was his premier sporting passion and he joined Edinburgh Wanderers in 1956-57 after completing a third season in the first XV at Dalkeith High School.

The only break with his club, prior to winning his first cap, was a period of national service with the Northamptonshire Regiment, during which he saw active service in Aden in 1959.

He also represented the Barbarians, making nine appearances between 1963 and 1965.

He made his first appearance for the Edinburgh District team in 1960-61, and his first Scotland cap was in an epic fixture against England in 1963.

Before the match the teams were presented to Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and despite Scotland storming to an 8-0 lead, through a Ronnie Glasgow try, converted by Stan Coughtrie, and a left-footed drop-goal from Ken Scotland, England fought back and ultimately sealed the win through a classic Calcutta Cup solo converted try by their stand-off Richard Sharp.

Henderson lined-up at centre for a Combined Edinburgh/Glasgow team against the touring All Blacks later that year and made his first Murrayfield international appearance in January 1964 in a 10-0 win against France.

Arguably, Henderson’s finest individual contribution came against the French at Stade Colombes in Paris the following year.

Scotland lost 8-16 but Henderson scored both their tries. In his book A Compendium of Scotland’s Matches, John Davidson wrote: “Following some broken play (Iain) Laughland made a break and the ball went via (Pringle) Fisher to Henderson who ran in his most aggressive style for 40 yards past and through several opponents to bring the scores level.”

Ken Bogle, in his book, Scottish Rugby, Game by Game, picks up the story: “The brave Scots (now trailing 5-11) retaliated with a superb second try by Henderson. (Brian) Simmers counter-attacked from his own half and after some accurate combined play and switches of direction, Henderson took a pass from Simmers and crashed over on the right.”

Later that year, Henderson, who had become an officer in the 15^th Scottish Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (TA), helped Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup with a 3-3 draw at Twickenham.

Injury had meant Henderson missed out on the chance to play in home Tests against New Zealand and South Africa, but he featured in all Championship matches in 1965 and 1966, before retiring at the age of 27.

In his final cap, Henderson linked in the passing movement as his fellow Edinburgh Wanderer, David Whyte, scored the only try of the 6-3 win against England.

He was selected for the 1966 Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand but declined, due to his imminent marriage and other responsibilities.

Outside of rugby, he joined the Norwich Union, aged 17 and remained with the same company all his working life, retiring as the Head of Business Development for Scotland and Northern Ireland in 1994 to spend more time with his family and take on some other pursuits.

One of those saw him realise an ambition and at the age of 57, he walked solo from Land’s End to John O’Groats; achieving this feat in only 38 days while carrying a 45lb pack on his back. He raised a great deal of money for charity and wore out two pairs of boots in the process.

Henderson’s charitable endeavours continued, serving as a trustee on both the Scottish Orthopaedic Research Trust and the Water of Leith Conservation Trust for many years.

He extended the latter role very actively and could often be seen waist deep in the river, hauling out debris, and building gardens and rest points along the walkway. He also served on the British Olympic Appeal Committee, ahead of the Atlanta Games in 1996.

A gifted poet and orator, he was a well-known figure on the after-dinner circuit, with his wit and humour entertaining many over the years.

Henderson was a popular figure with a larger than life character and warm and engaging personality. He will be sorely missed.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Brian Henderson’s wife, Sandra, family and many friends.