Rugby: Calder given chairman role

Grand Slam try-scoring hero Jim Calder was today named chairman of Edinburgh Rugby in succession to ex-Lions and Scotland captain Gavin Hastings, who is standing down.

The 53-year-old former flanker, who scored the clinching try against France in Scotland's 1984 Grand Slam campaign and made 57 inter-district appearances for Edinburgh during the 1970s and 80s, will now help to drive relationships between the professional team and the wider community.

Businessman Calder said he was "delighted and honoured" to take up the role ahead of the opening Magners League match away to Cardiff on Saturday.

Predecessor Hastings will remain on Edinburgh Rugby's community board to act as both advisor and ambassador.

Hastings said: "It's been a real privilege to represent my city and my club over the past three years and I look forward to working with Jim as he takes Edinburgh forward. It's tremendous to have on board someone of his stature and charisma and I know he has a lot to offer."

Calder, capped 27 times by Scotland and a British Lion, added: "It's a tremendous honour to take the reins at a time when so many positive things are happening. There is a real opportunity to build on our position as a focal point for rugby and commercial activity in the city, and I look forward to working with chief executive Craig Docherty and the other members of the community board to ensure that happens."

Craig Docherty hailed the arrival of Calder, saying: "In terms of opening doors and winning respect, his rugby pedigree will put him at a considerable advantage."

Since hanging up his boots, Jim Calder has been involved in several capacities with his old club, Stewart's Melville, as well as acting as an ambassador for the Edinburgh leg of the IRB sevens.

Calder runs his own head-hunting firm in the Capital.