Tributes paid following death of British and Irish Lions legend
Known affectionately as Mighty Mouse, McLauchlan captained Scotland 19 times in his 43 appearances for the country, playing between 1969 and 1979. However, he is perhaps best remembered as one of only five players to have played in all eight Lions Tests on the victorious tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974 respectively.
Despite being smaller than most props, the robust prop had a formidable reputation in the scrum and scored a crucial try against the All Blacks in '71 in a 9-3 opening-Test victory. "He was some character and some player," commented his former Scotland teammate, Andy Irvine.
"He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him. He was so tough, almost indestructible."
McLauchlan was honoured with an induction into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame and was awarded an OBE eight years ago. The iconic figure served as the president of Scottish Rugby from 2010 until 2012 before retiring from the board in 2019 after providing 50 years of service since his debut as a player, reports the Mirror.
McLauchlan, who worked as a PE teacher, discovered he was going to earn his first international cap while teaching skiers in the Highlands. His international career spanned 10 years, culminating in his final Scotland appearance against New Zealand at Murrayfield in November 1979.
The Lions official X account honoured the late Scottish rugby icon with a touching message, stating: "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of former Scotland captain, and British and Irish Lions great, Ian McLauchlan, who has passed away at the age of 83".
McLauchlan was resident on Islay having left his home in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh to move to his wife, Eileen's birthplace. Eileen passed away in 2023 and McLauchlan endured challenges with his mobility in recent years.
Graham Law penned a tribute highlighting McLauchlan as a 'trail-blazer, the first former pupil of Ayr Academy and first student of Jordanhill College to be capped for Scotland' with playing abilities 'ahead of his time'.
"Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Ian McLauchlan's family and many friends," stated the obituary. "When we have details of his funeral service, we will update on our website."
Stewart Weir, a trustee of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, shared personal memories: "Farewell Ian McLauchlan, 'Mighty Mouse,' Scotland and Lions legend. Party trick of lifting Kiwi and Boks tightheads off the ground in scrums or with uppercuts. Our Sunday morning conferences were never dull, and nothing surpassed one outrageous dinner in Cardiff. Rest easy".
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney said: "Very sorry to hear to the death of Ian McLauchlan. As a schoolboy I watched him play mesmerising rugby.
"He gave a lifetime of service to the game, and motivated so many to make a contribution. My condolences to his family."
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