SCOTTISH RUGBY TO ESTABLISH HALL OF FAME
Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Scottish Rugby is to set-up its first official Hall of Fame to celebrate the glittering contribution made by Scots to the oval ball game over the years.

A panel, including five times British and Irish Lions coach, Sir Ian McGeechan, will have the privilege of nominating the first inductees, who will be announced at a gala dinner at Murrayfield in November.

The dinner will be attended by the Scotland squad as they prepare for their Autumn Tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa.

"Debate has raged in many a clubhouse about those who have made the biggest impact on our sport or who would be selected in an all-time Scotland team," said Scottish Rugby's Chairman, Allan Munro.

"We believe that we should acknowledge the rich heritage of Scottish Rugby and rejoice in the magnificent achievements that have shaped our sport and brought pride to Scots throughout the world."

In addition to Sir Ian McGeechan, the selection panel will include fellow British Lions and Scotland internationalists John Beattie, John Jeffrey and Chris Rea, alongside the doyen of Scottish rugby writers, Norman Mair.

For the inaugural Hall of Fame dinner, the panel expect to induct up to 12 individuals. "The nominees will bring outstanding playing, coaching, refereeing or administrative credentials to the Hall of Fame - in many ways our first inductees will be Scottish Rugby's ultimate ambassadors. Their legacy will have been felt far beyond the shores of Scotland," said Munro.

"Following our launch, we will then look to add additional members to the Hall of Fame on a 12-18 month basis" he explained.

Panel member and spokesperson, John Jeffrey, said: "Scotland supporters the world over will have their own favourites and we are keen for them to have the opportunity to put forward an iconic figure for the Hall of Fame. The details of this are still being finalised but our intention is to do this through a vote on the Scottish Rugby website."

The inaugural Hall of Fame gala dinner will take place at Murrayfield in November and will be hosted by broadcaster Dougie Donnelly. Full details of the dinner will be announced shortly.

This article was posted on 16-Jun-2010, 22:33 by Hugh Barrow.