Former Scots rugby star dies during triathlon in Singapore - Ruck

Former Scots rugby star dies during triathlon in Singapore

A former rugby star died yesterday while competing in a triathlon.

Steve Begley, 42, who was a key member of the Glasgow squad when the team turned professional in the mid-90s, took ill during the swimming leg of the Singapore international triathlon.



He was pulled from the water by rescue crews but paramedics were unable to save him.

Glenn Metcalfe, who helped Scotland reach the 2003 World Cup quarter-finals, was among shocked former team-mates to pay tribute last night.

He said: “Steve was the first guy I met when I arrived in Glasgow from New Zealand in 1996. We shared a flat and went on to play many games of rugby for Glasgow Accies, Hawks and Glasgow.

“He quickly welcomed my wife Lisa and me with that friendly, ultra-sociable personality.

“He was a larger-than-life character who was always fun to be around. He was a mate to everyone and a pleasure to have known.

“We have some very fond memories of our time with Steve, most of them involving a drink or a dance – or both at the same time!

“He was one of life’s fun guys and I will miss the big geezer.”