Following the retrospective awarding of a Scotland test cap to rugby player Ian Murchie of Lamlash earlier this year, two other sportsmen who represented their country have been retrospectively awarded Scotland Test caps.
Lochranza residents, Ethne Cumming and David Henderson, travelled to Murrayfield to receive the retrospective wartime international caps on behalf of their late fathers, Eric Hunter and Jim Henderson.
Flight lieutenant Eric Hunter (Watsonians) was awarded a test cap for his service in 1942 in a rugby game between Scotland and England in which Scotland won 21-6. Captain Jim Henderson (Glasgow Accies) was awarded a test cap for his service in 1945, when Scotland beat England in a match at Leicester, with a final score of 18-11.
The ceremony took place on Remembrance day when wreaths were laid at the Murrayfield War Memorial followed by a ceremony hosted by Chris Patterson where 16 retrospective caps were awarded to family, relatives or friends.
The participants which numbered nearly 100 were then invited down to the home dressing room and were able to run out the tunnel onto the pitch. Some members also took the opportunity to climb the stairs to the royal box sampling Princess Anne’s very comfortable and heated seat.
The decision to award retrospective test caps was made by the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board. President, Colin Rigby said: “Those individuals who wore the thistle with pride and distinction, whether in Services or Victory internationals during and after the Second World War, or who played under the label of a ‘Scotland XV’ against other nations, will now join the fabled ranks of the 1,140 other men to have been capped by Scotland since 1871.
“Given this year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Union, we wanted to look afresh at our history and recognise the rich and enduring contribution those players have made to our game.
“Awarding a cap retrospectively may seem purely symbolic or belated by some people, but I know from conversations with some of those players and their families what this decision will mean to them and that granting cap status will be cherished.”
Ethne Cumming and David Henderson receiving the caps on behalf of their late fathers, Eric Hunter and Jim Henderson. No_B49caps01_23_Scotland_caps