Image: Scotland v Australia, 2016; BT Murrayfield Stadium
From the 1970's to present day, the Scottish Rugby Union has produced undeniable talent. We round the very best players who’ve represented the team in their professional history.
The Scotland rugby team has produced some incredible talent in its professional history. From Grand Slam-winning trys to top-scoring kicking records, the team has achieved some impressive feats over the years.
But who are the best Scottish rugby players of all time? We round up the greatest talent Scottish rugby talent, from 1972 to present.
Stuart Hogg
2012-present | Scotland caps: 67 | Points: 107 | British & Irish Lions Tours: 2013, 2017
At only 27-years-old, Stuart Hogg has established himself as one of Scotland’s greats. His explosive and exciting style often gets the BT Murrayfield crowd of their seat. This has led to a call up to the Lions Tours to Australia and New Zealand. In the Six Nations-in 2016 and 2017, Hogg was named player of the tournament - the first Scottish player to win the award.
Gavin Hastings
1986-1995 | Scotland caps: 61 | Points: 667 | British & Irish Lions Tours: 1989, 1993
Gavin Hastings played a masterful role in Scotland’s Five Nations Grand Slam in 1990, as they beat England in the tournament decider. He toured with the Lions twice, firstly in their successful tour to Australia in 1989 and secondly, as captain on the 1993 tour to New Zealand. It was in the latter where the Lions lost 2-1. Hastings played his last game for Scotland in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, as they were beaten by New Zealand in the Quarter Finals.
Andy Irvine
1972-1982 | Scotland caps: 51 | Points: 269 | British & Irish Lions Tours: 1974, 1977, 1980
Another mercurial fullback, Andy Irvine accrued 51 caps for Scotland, earning his first cap against the All Blacks in 1972. He toured South Africa (1974), New Zealand (1977) and South Africa again (1980) for the Lions tours, scoring 156 points in 15 matches on the 1975 tour. In his post-rugby career, Irvine’s expertise led to him being named as the tour manager of the successful 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia.
Chris Patterson
1999-2011 | Scotland caps: 109 | Points: 809 | British & Irish Lions Tours: N/A
Chris Patterson is Scotland’s record points scorer, with 809 points, and second most-capped player with 109 caps. He was a stalwart for Scottish rugby, occupying the fly-half, fullback and wing jerseys. Paterson played in three World Cups exiting the Quarter Final on every occasion. His reliable kicking saw him hold a 100% kicking record over a 10-month period, overtaking Gavin Hastings point scoring record.
Ross Ford
2004-present | Scotland caps: 110 | Points: 25 | British & Irish Lions Tours: 2009
With 110 caps, Ross Ford is Scotland’s most-capped men’s player ever. Ford is a bastion of Scottish rugby, making the hooker position his own over his 15-year international career. He made his debut in 2004 in an Autumn International against Australia at BT Murrayfield. Twelve years later, Forde won his 110th cap against the Aussies. Ford also played in three World Cups and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2009, playing in the third test against South Africa, winning 28-9.
Gregor Townsend
1993-2003 | Scotland caps: 82 | Points: 164 | British & Irish Lions Tours: 1997
Current Scotland rugby coach and legend during his playing days, Gregor Townsend is our last entry. In the 1999 Five Nations Championships, Townsend came into his own. He scored in every match he played and subsequently lead Scotland to their first title since 1990. In 1997, Townsend toured with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa, starting in the first and second tests.
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