Former Scotland captain and head coach Dougie Morgan has passed away at the age of 73.
The scrum-half died in hospital in Edinburgh after an illness on Saturday night, Scottish Rugby confirmed.
He was capped 21 times for Scotland between 1973 and 1978 and played two Test matches for the British & Irish Lions on their 1977 tour of New Zealand.
Scottish Rugby is immensely saddened to learn of the death in hospital in Edinburgh last night of former Scotland scrum-half, captain, coach and manager, Dougie Morgan. He was 73.https://t.co/ad2FQKxPv4
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) April 5, 2020
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: “I was really saddened to hear that Dougie has passed away.
“He was a great servant to Scottish rugby, first and foremost as a terrific player and captain of the national side.
“He went on to have success as a coach and in 1995 we came very close to winning a Grand Slam and a few months later his Scotland team were only seconds away from topping their pool in the World Cup until France scored deep into injury time.
“Dougie was a hugely popular figure in his time as manager of the national team, someone who enjoyed having a laugh with the players, although he kept his natural competitive instinct whenever we took him on at pool or on the golf course. He has contributed a huge amount to Scottish rugby and he’ll be sorely missed.”
Dougie had a huge influence on my senior career through being asst coach, coach and manager of @Scotlandteam and the A team. A truly great rugby man. My thoughts are with Doreen and the family at this difficult time. #RIPDougie https://t.co/eYxUeknRAH
— Andy Nicol (@AndyNic9) April 5, 2020
Former Scotland & Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan: “Dougie was a team-mate who became a very good friend during an association which covered four decades.
“He was hugely competitive and a talented sportsman, had a deep understanding of the game and was tactically very aware.
“I will never forget him standing on Gareth Edwards’ foot to distract him whilst trying to put the ball into the scrum, an approach which stopped Wales playing and we ultimately won the game.
“He was a great room-mate and always had a mug of tea waiting by the bedside in a morning. He was a great friend and companion. I have memories I will always cherish and be very thankful for knowing Dougie.”