Scotland great Gary Armstrong playing again at age of 51

Gary Armstrong, a hero of Scotland's Five Nations Championship triumphs in 1990 and 1999, made a surprise return to rugby at the weekend when he turned out for Stewart's Melville's third XV at the age of 51.
1990 Grand Slam hero Gary Armstrong turned out for the Stewarts Melville third XV at the age of 51. Picture: Martin MacDonald1990 Grand Slam hero Gary Armstrong turned out for the Stewarts Melville third XV at the age of 51. Picture: Martin MacDonald
1990 Grand Slam hero Gary Armstrong turned out for the Stewarts Melville third XV at the age of 51. Picture: Martin MacDonald

Armstrong played as a favour to old friend Finlay
Calder in the BT East Reserve League Division Two against Penicuik’s second XV at Inverleith.

Word had got out that the revered scrum-half was back in action after some cajoling from Calder, his former Scotland and Lions team-mate who runs the Stewart’s Melville thirds, and the crowd was bigger than usual.

Amongst those watching was another Jed-Forest and Scotland scrum-half great, Roy Laidlaw. Armstrong played 40 minutes for each team in the 78-35 victory for the hosts.

Related topics: