Scottish Rugby is saddened to learn of the death of former Scotland prop, Ian Hastie, who passed away in hospital in New Zealand yesterday at the age of 79.

Ian Hastie won six caps for Scotland between 1955 and 1959, three of them against France.  In the 1958 match against France at Murrayfield, Hastie’s try – where he caught an astute throw from Scotland captain Arthur Smith at a short lineout and drove over – was decisive in winning the game 11-9 for Scotland.

Educated at Kelso High School, Hastie did his National Service with the Cameronians in Malaysia, during which he demonstrated his prowess at boxing becoming the Far East light heavyweight champion.

He played his club rugby for Kelso – where he was captain in the 1954-55 and 1955-56 seasons – and also represented the South.

His brother, former Scotland team manager, Arthur Hastie, said today: “Ian was very dedicated to his rugby.  He was a very hard trainer and used to run the roads at night with the aid of a torch.

“He was a great handler and a very good sevens player which came through in the XV-a-side game.  As a prop, he was a strong scrummager.  In open play, he wasn’t fast but, a bit like Hughie McLeod, he read the game very well.”

A joiner to trade, Ian Hastie had worked on the railways in Scotland and when he emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Loretta, son Ian and daughters Marion and Janice in 1964, he began work with the New Zealand Railway Company, with whom he served until his retirement.

Ian Hastie’s love of sport continued in New Zealand, where he represented New Zealand at darts doubles, competing in international tournaments as far afield as Australia and Hawaii.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to all Ian Hastie’s family and friends. His funeral will take place in Wellington, New Zealand, tomorrow (Thursday 9 April).