Scott Hastings (rugby union)

Scott Hastings (born 4 December 1964) is a Scottish former rugby union player. He won 65 caps at centre for Scotland from 1986 to 1997. Scott is the younger brother of Scottish great Gavin Hastings. They both earned their first cap on 17 January 1986 against France. When he retired, he was Scotland's most-capped player ever. Twice a member of the British Lions in 1989 (Australia) and 1993 (New Zealand) where he suffered a shattered cheekbone and did not play against the All Blacks.

Scott Hastings
Date of birth (1964-12-04) 4 December 1964
Place of birthEdinburgh, Scotland
SchoolGeorge Watson's College
Notable relative(s)Gavin Hastings, brother
Adam Hastings, nephew, Kerry-Anne Hastings (daughter)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Outside centre
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1980–2000 Watsonians RFC 226 (500)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1986–1997
1989 & 1993		 Scotland
British and Irish Lions		 65
2		 (43)
(0)

Rugby

Although sometimes overshadowed by his brother Gavin, Scott Hastings is himself one of the greatest players in Scottish rugby history.[1]

"He first entered the Scottish squad set-up in 1986 as one of the most cocksure personalities they had ever met. And while that wild joie de vivre and natural ebullience has sometimes since overspilled off the pitch, they have been a positive boon. In his early days, Scott was most notable for his searing pace, straight-running and ability to break the gain line virtually every time he received the ball. It was not long, however, before his bullocking runs from the centre were complemented by the stonewall defensive qualities which were to remain the salient quality in his game as his pace faded later on."[1]

Bath also reminds us of Scott Hastings' proudest moment:

"If there is one moment for which he will long be remembered, it was during the 1990 Grand Slam decider, the proudest day in Scottish rugby history. English winger Rory Underwood had scythed through the Scottish defence when Hastings managed to drag him down short of the line when a try seemed inevitable."[1]

After retirement

Scott was invited to open Dunstane City Hotel, near Murrayfield, in 2008.

Scott has appeared as a guest presenter on STV's daily lifestyle show The Hour on a few occasions – his first show being in November 2009, alongside main anchor Michelle McManus. The Scottish magazine programme airs weekdays at 5pm.

He was a co-commentator for ITV's coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. On 10 July 2014, he made his début on the BBC's political discussion show Question Time.[2]

Scott was part of the ITV team covering the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He is the regular host of "Just a sports quiz" an annual event held in Murrayfield to raise money for research into Motor Neuron Disease at the Euan MacDonald Centre in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Family

His older brother Gavin was also a Lions and Scotland international rugby union player. His daughter, Kerry-Anne represents Scotland at Hockey.[3]

References
  • Bath, Richard (ed.) The Complete Book of Rugby (Seven Oaks Ltd, 1997 ISBN 1-86200-013-1)
  1. Bath, p139-140
  2. "BBC's Question Time panel in Inverness 'a UK first'". BBC News.
  3. "Kerry-Anne Hastings follows in family footsteps with Scotland call-up". The Scotsman.
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