Jock Steven’s contribution to Madras was simply “immense”

Mr Steven passed away this week at the age of 84 having dedicated his life to the sport.

Born in St Andrews in 1935, he grew up on a tenant farm in Stravithie before moving to Dunino’s Beley Farm.

Mr Steven was educated at Madras College, where he took up the game as a flanker, joining the FP club and captaining it during the 1958/59 and 1961/62 seasons.

After National Service in the Royal Horse Guards, he returned to rugby and in 1957 played with his three brothers, Bill, Alan and Robert in the Madras first XV in one game.

He also represented North and Midlands, including against the 1964 All Blacks, and the Barbarians – winning selection for the latter on their 1962 Easter tour of Wales and was an unused travelling reserve for Scotland.

A statement from Madras said: “All at Madras Rugby Club send their love and sincerest condolences to his family and in particular Ian and Catriona Steven

“The club will never forget his immense contribution and thank him for his tireless work on their behalf.”

On completing his playing career, he coached at Madras and with North and Midlands and served on the club committee and as club president at Madras from 1970-75.

He became involved with Scottish Rugby and was tour manager of the Scotland Development XV unbeaten tour to Zimbabwe in 1988 – which marked the introduction to Scotland colours of the likes of Craig Chalmers and Alex Moore.

Mr Steven became president of Scottish Rugby during the 1993-94 season.

The season was characterised by narrow defeats for the Scotland team, including the controversial ‘hand of Rob’ late penalty which saw England snatch a 15-14 Calcutta Cup win at Murrayfield.

Additional reporting information courtesy of Scottish Rugby.