Tributes paid to ex-Edinburgh Rugby captain and Scotland star Ally Donaldson after death aged 60
Donaldson was described as a “cracking human being” after a successful career playing and coaching
Tributes have poured in for former Edinburgh Rugby captain Ally Donaldson, who has died at the age of 60.
His death was announced by Scottish Rugby on Monday, September 28. His cause of death has not been announced.
Donaldson was a prominent figure in the the sport, playing for both Edinburgh and Scotland, as well as Currie, and going on to coach.
He made his district debut for Edinburgh in 1992 and eventually rose to become captain by 1997. During his time at Currie, he led the club to their success in the inaugural Tennent’s Shield in 1996.
He would return to Currie in a coaching capacity later in his career alongside Graham Hogg, achieving success after claiming the championship title in 2006/07 and again in 2009/10.
He went onto serve as a PE teacher and director of rugby at Edinburgh’s George Watson’s College for 36 years before he took early retirement a few years ago.
Donaldson’s coaching experience saw him oversee the early development of eventual stars of the sport such as Scotland captain Stuart McInally and Scotland stand-off Adam Hastings.
Tributes have poured in for the rugby star following his death at the age of 60.
In a statement, Edinburgh Rugby said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former club captain, Ally Donaldson. Ally made his debut for Edinburgh in 1992, becoming cap #911, and was part of the club's first professional squad in 1996 before being named captain the following year.
“A giant of the game in the capital, Ally went on to become a stalwart of coaching at Currie and Director of Rugby at George Watson's College, playing a key role in developing so many of the players who went on to wear the castle on their chest. Our thoughts are with Ally's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Scottish Rugby president Keith Wallace said: “His death has come as a huge shock and our thoughts and prayers are with Ally’s family, friends, all at Currie Rugby Club and the wider rugby community.”
Currie Rugby Club vice president and former prop forward Duncan Wilson added: “You would need pages and pages to note the roles he delivered so brilliantly at Currie Rugby Club.”
Roy Mack, a former colleague at George Watson’s College and Currie coach, said: “Ally was a cracking human being, an absolute 100% guy.
“He would routinely go the extra mile and then some, when it came to helping young players.”