SCOTTISH rugby is mourning the loss of one of its favourite sons after it was announced today that Ian McLauchlan OBE has died at the age of 83.
Popularly known as ‘Mighty Mouse’, the Scotland and British and Irish Lions prop captained his country and then went on to be President of the SRU.
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He died yesterday at the age of 83.
The SRU wrote in a statement: “Scottish Rugby is immensely saddened to learn of the death yesterday, 20 June, of former Scotland captain, Past President of the SRU and British & Irish Lions loosehead prop, Ian McLauchlan OBE.
“Known throughout the rugby world as Mighty Mouse, Ian McLauchlan displayed characteristics in spades that made him the ultimate rugby warrior.”
The British and Irish Lions wrote: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of former@Scotlandteam captain, and British & Irish Lions great, Ian McLauchlan, who has passed away at the age of 83.”
Known for his fearsome scrummaging despite weighing only 14st 6lb on his debut in 1969, McLauchlan was part of successful Lions tours to New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974.
He started all eight Test matches on those tours, and scored a crucial try in the first Test in Dunedin in June 1971 as the Lions won 9-3.
Former Scotland and Lions team-mate Andy Irvine said: “He was some character and some player.
“He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him.
“He was so tough, almost indestructible. What a fantastic career he had for Scotland, and the Lions. It’s very, very sad.”
McLauchlan served in post as Scottish Rugby’s president from 2010-2012 and stepped away from the board in 2019, after what was half a century of service from his debut as a player.
He was inducted to Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame in 2013 and in 2017 he was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.
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