Ronnie played at Knox, and then played for the club in the early 1950s following his national service, initially as a centre but then in his preferred position of wing forward. He then went onto play for Jordanhill, Gordonians and Dunfermline as his PE training and teaching saw him moved around.

He was a Scottish trialist first in 1955, before finally becoming our second male internationalist in 1962, at the time the oldest at 31 to be first capped for Scotland. This was felt by many to be because of him playing for “unfashionable” clubs rather than any lack of ability.

A phenomenal athlete, he played in winning sevens for HRFC at prop, centre and wing. He was reckoned to be the hardest tackler in world rugby, as his former teammates will testify, on and off the field.

Many will recall him celebrating scoring the same score at the club’s 40th golf outing as he had shot to win the inaugural one, by way of a double cartwheel, double somersault onto the 18th Green, aged 68.

Our thoughts are with the family.

A memorial service will take place at Dollar Parish Church, Bridge Street, Dollar FK14 7DF on Friday 1 November at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments in the nearby Burnside Hall. Ronnie’s family has asked for rugby club ties to be worn.