Dougie Morgan: Former Scotland captain and head coach dies aged 73
Morgan was capped 21 times by Scotland during the 1970s and as part of coaching team, helped nation to 1995 World Cup quarter-finals
Sunday 5 April 2020 17:50, UK
Former Scotland captain and head coach Dougie Morgan has passed away at the age of 73.
Morgan 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.
Morgan moved into coaching after retiring and worked with Stewarts Melville FP and Edinburgh District before joining the national team coaching panel.
He worked alongside head coach Sir Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer in Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam winning campaign.
Morgan become Scotland head coach during the 1993-94 season and lead the team to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa in 1995 and also their first victory over France in Paris in 26 years.
Current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend described Morgan as "a great servant to Scottish rugby, first and foremost as a terrific player and captain of the national side."
Townsend added: "He went on to have success as a coach. 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."
Former Lions manager Sir Ian McGeechan said: "On and off the field, he was a great friend and companion. I have memories I will always cherish and be very thankful for knowing Dougie."
