Scotland legends and rugby officials recall Duncan Paterson

IAN McLAUCHLANWon 43 caps for Scotland from 1969 to 1979"I first got to know Duncan when I toured Argentina with Scotland in 1969, and the last match I attended with him was the Scotland v Argentina autumn Test last month when we were surrounded by our teammates from that tour.

"I played in every match in Argentina and Dunc played in all but one of the games, which showed how durable he was because that was an infamous, tough, physical tour, and he certainly gained my respect.

"He was a magnificent sevens player and he probably got more credit for that, but he was an excellent player in all respects. Dunc was a tremendous thinker about rugby, someone with a great knowledge of the game and how he thought the game should go.

"He was a great boy to play with and a little bugger to play against. We were very good friends, but when you played him he would sooner punch you than look you in the eye. Mind, so would most of us.

"I also had a lot to do with Dunc as an administrator while I was helping the SRU with marketing and I admired a lot of things he did, but unfortunately there were a number of people at Murrayfield at that time that didn't have the same vision he had. He was very much a forward thinker and was a very big loss to Murrayfield and to the game of rugby in Scotland, when he resigned, because he had much still to give. It is a sad loss and devastating to his family and friends at this time of the year."

GAVIN HASTINGS

Scotland captain when Paterson was team manager in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

"Duncan was a tremendous team manager and really developed that role very successfully, particularly in 1995 when I was captain in the World Cup and we were heading towards professionalism. He was very supportive and understanding of what the players needed.

"Obviously, a lot of changes were going on at the time and demands on the players were growing considerably with professionalism coming in, but he was adamant that he wanted to give the players the best opportunity to perform and he did that.

"I found Duncan a great support at that time. In my opinion he was a real rugby man, a good guy and he is a sad loss to the game."

BILL HOGG

SRU secretary 1983-96 and chief executive 1991-96

"The news has come as a huge shock, but I am delighted that I had the chance to catch up with Duncan at the recent Argentina Test.

"He was at the executive helm during a very difficult time in Scottish rugby. It was after the game had gone professional and money was required, as it was everywhere, but the SRU weren't as well off as other unions so it was harder for us.

"He had proven his value to Scottish rugby not only as a player, but also as a very successful team manager and was well-respected as a figure to lead the game.

"During his time as manager Scotland reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1991 losing narrowly, were unlucky to draw with France in the '95 World Cup and get the All Blacks in the last eight, and were involved in Grand Slam showdowns in 1995 and 1996. Duncan's preparations for touring and the World Cups were meticulous – he consulted with players and persuaded the SRU committee to allow players' wives to come as well at the SRU's expense.

"He was put forward to manage the Lions in 1997 but with I an McGeechan and Jim Telfer the coaches I think they felt there would be too many Scots and he just missed out, but he would have been good as a Lions manager.

"Duncan was a tremendous thinker, a good man to work with and very well-respected by the players when he was team manager. He could see the way the game was going even before the game turned professional. All unions struggled with professionalism, but Duncan did his best to take Scotland forward without the resources others had. I will remember him as a successful player and successful manager."

COLIN PLAYFAIR

President of Gala RFC

"We are all devastated and I think the town of Galashiels is in shock.

"Dunc has been a great influence at the club from his days as a player, a great sevens star and internationalist to his guidance and work behind the scenes. He was one of Gala's most recognised figures wherever he went in the game and his whole family have come through and been closely associated this club.

"Dunc was very knowledgeable on the game and always had people around him, whether it was in the club or in a pub or restaurant, because he was great company. Dunc was a passionate man and wanted Gala to win at all costs, and that was the same right up until his death – he enjoyed seeing the team beat Hawick on Saturday that was for sure.

"He was made a life member this year which was an honour for him, but it is just a shame it hasn't lasted very long. There is a great sadness at the club and in Gala because of the respect Dunc had, and our heartfelt condolences go to Lucille and the family."