Scottish Rugby is saddened to learn of the death of Campbell Bone who gave a lifetime of service to rugby in Ayrshire. He was 83.

Former Scotland winger David Shedden led the tributes. "I remember when I was at Spiers School in Beith and Campbell was on the PE staff. He was very passionate about his sport and as far as rugby was concerned, he was ahead of his time."

A forward in his playing days, initially in the back-row and then at hooker, Campbell played for and captained Ardrossan Accies and was a first XV regular for 20 years.

Shedden added: Campbell played in the forwards but he was a very good coach for three-quarters and thought a lot about alignment and ensuring that the wingers could act as auxiliary full-back. He was my hero.

Campbell was involved with Old Spierians (now part of Garnock) and went on to coach at Ardrossan, Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. Indeed he was active at Marress well beyond his 80th year.

He also coached the Glasgow XV, alongside Ian Cosgrove and Richie Dixon, the Glasgow District Union XV and the Ayrshire XV.

He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Glasgow District to mark his distinguished contribution to the game, which also included being among the first coaches to be invited to join Scottish Rugby's Coaching Advisory Panel, where his knowledge of scrummaging was widely recognised.

Campbell is survived by his daughter Jane, grandchildren Natalie, Lisa, Forbes and Terry and great-grandson Patric (correct). Scottish Rugby extends its sympathies to all his family and friends.

This article was posted on 20-Oct-2008, 18:16 by Hugh Barrow.