Tributes paid to stalwart of rugby after death at 77

Jock, 77, passed away after a short illness.

He was a life member of Kelso Rugby Club and its longest-serving committee member.

During an association with the club, and Kelso Harlequins, lasting around 60 years, he had seen the highs and lows that club rugby could bring, but his hard work and support for the club he loved never wavered over that time.

As a result, hundreds of young men in his community, from Scotland centurion Ross Ford to countless club regulars, had the chance to play because of his enthusiasm and passion for supporting youth rugby in the Borders.

Having first joined Kelso Rugby Club as a player, said a Scottish Rugby spokesman, Jock soon recognised his talents were better suited to off-field activities.

From 1968, he became fixture secretary of Kelso Harlequins and held almost every role with the club, from kit man through to chairman and everything in between.

Although he was never president of Kelso Rugby Club, he was recognised for his work and loyal service by being made a life member.

He was a well-known character in the Borders rugby community, having previously served as president of the Border semi-junior league on three occasions, and he also acted frequently as a selector for the South under-18 squad.

Three years ago, he was presented with the Spirit of Rugby award for half a century of service to his club.

A Kelso Rugby Club spokesman said: “Jock will be sadly missed around Poynder Park as he touched many of our lives and brought so much fun and laughter to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Multiple tributes and messages have also been posted on social media.

The Borders Rugby Refs group said: “He was a true character few could match and always had time to chat to our referees after games.”

Kelso Ladies Rugby added: “He was certainly a character and truly loved his rugby and Kelso Rugby Club.”

Other comments included: “One of life’s great characters. He will be missed as much as he was loved.”

Although born at Hoselaw, Jock moved to Blakelaw Farm aged three and had lived and worked there ever since.

His hard work was acknowledged with a variety of long service awards from the Border Union Agricultural Society and Royal Highland Society. He retired in 2008 but still helped with small jobs until recently.

He was celebrated in a 2018 book by Roddy Murray entitled Jock Todd of Blakelaw: A Full Life in Rugby and Farming in the Scottish Borders.

Jock, predeceased by his wife Jocelyn in 2018, had four children – Jackie, Margaret, and the late Ian and Diane.