Published 24th Oct 2026, 14:28 BST
SRU President Keith Wallace leads tributes to Lorn Cowie
Scottish Rugby has announced the passing of its oldest former international player Lorn Cowie at the age of 100.
The back row forward had the distinction of representing both Glasgow and Edinburgh at district level before making his Test match debut against England at Twickenham in March 1953. Cowie was born in Glasgow on June 1, 1926 and was schooled at Fettes College in Edinburgh.
He then attended both Cambridge and Glasgow Universities before his career in law took him to the capital. He served as Advocate Depute in the Crown Office, was made a QC in 1967 and went on to become a High Court judge.
Last year he was part of a group of former Scotland male and female players and international referees who took centre stage on the day of Murrayfield stadium’s 100th anniversary.
SRU President Keith Wallace paid tribute to Cowie, saying: “We often talk about the ‘rugby family’ and to see the sparkle in Lorn’s eye that day as he interacted with players, family members and referees from throughout the decades, underlined the joy he had from our sport.
“It was such a privilege to meet him and his family and the thoughts of everyone connected with Scottish Rugby are with them today.”
The obituary from Scottish Rugby continued by adding: “Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Lorn Cowie’s family and many friends. When we have details of his funeral arrangements we will update on our website.”
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