Former Scotland rugby captain Frank Laidlaw dies aged 84

Former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lions hooker Frank Laidlaw has died aged 84, Scottish Rugby announced on Thursday.

Laidlaw won 32 caps for Scotland from 1965-1971 and twice toured with the Lions, including on their celebrated trip to New Zealand in 1971 – the only time the combined side have won a series against the All Blacks.

His first match as Scotland captain, the final game of the 1970 Five Nations, came with the team on a run of three straight defeats.

Scottish Rugby is saddened to hear about the passing of former Scotland, British & Irish Lions and Melrose hooker, Frank Laidlaw, aged 84.

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— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) April 3, 2025

But Laidlaw led Scotland to a 14-5 Calcutta Cup win at Murrayfield as they beat oldest rivals England for the first time since 1966.

Born in Hawick, he was educated in another of Scottish rugby's Borders heartlands in Melrose and represented the Melrose senior team in more than 230 matches, as well as making 10 appearances for the invitational Barbarians.

"Scottish Rugby is flying the flag at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium at half-mast to honour Frank Laidlaw and all he did for the game," said a Scottish Rugby statement.

"We send our sincere condolences to all his family and many friends."