Ron Evans

Ron gave more than 45 years of tireless service to the game of rugby in Scotland and it is no exaggeration to say that every club in the country has benefited from his dedication and owes him a debt of gratitude.

Born in Ayr, his Welsh father having been a commando who fell in love with the area when he undertook military exercises there, Ron Evans was schooled at Ayr Academy and played both rugby and cricket.

A travelling salesman in his early career, Ron was one of a hardy band of rugby enthusiasts under the direction of the late Glen Stirling who ran the Glasgow Sports Agency.

The Agency was a vital part in the chain which led to the collation of club rugby results on a Saturday afternoon when national league rugby was introduced in Scotland in the 1970s.

Ron was also the Agency’s man in Ayrshire and would ensure that the exploits of both the Ayr and Kilmarnock clubs would gain wider exposure.

Ron could take a teasing from his Press colleagues who would feign incredulity if he ever suggested that his club rugby match of choice on a weekend was not at his beloved Millbrae and no one was prouder of Ayr’s championship successes of recent years.

But back to the results and Ron took on the mantle, both for the media and for this website, to deliver accurate club rugby results of a weekend.

He kept his cool and sense of humour intact despite the “jokers” who thought it a wheeze to advise a wrong score and that they had scored a hat-trick when he (or one of his band of rugby stalwarts) would call on the clubhouse phone.

However Ron did it, whether it was Premiership, National Leagues or Regional Leagues, his accuracy was impressive.

He was also part of the late David Kelso’s Kelvin Media team; provided internet TV coverage, a service hugely appreciated by several clubs and was also a member of staff for a period with Glasgow & District Rugby Union.

Scottish Rugby President Ian Barr said: “Scottish Rugby has lost a great friend and servant of the game and a true champion of our clubs. I know I speak for clubs the length and breadth of Scotland in expressing our sincere sympathies to Ron’s family and many friends.”