Scotland’s Former Head Coach Derrick Grant Dies at 86

Derrick Grant, who served as Scotland’s head coach from 1985 to 1988 and was also a former Scotland flanker, has passed away at the age of 86. Born in Hawick, Grant earned 14 caps as a back-row forward for Scotland between 1965 and 1968. Subsequently, he led the national team as head coach for a three-year period beginning in 1985, during which he introduced players such as Gavin Hastings, Scott Hastings, Finlay Calder, and David Sole to the international stage. Scottish Rugby, in its announcement of his passing, characterized Grant as “a quiet and humble man, ahead of his time in his ability to analyse a game and get the best out of his charges”. The sport’s governing body further stated: “Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Derrick’s wife, Elsie, sons David and Steven, daughter-in-laws Susan and Ann and their families, plus his many friends in Scotland and beyond.”