Scotland and British & Irish Lions back row Ken Smith has passed away at the age of 96.
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Born in Edinburgh, Smith represented Scotland between 1957 and 1961, earning 18 international caps and securing selection for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1959.
Lion #395, Smith enjoyed a distinguished playing career before going on to become one of the game’s most respected administrators, both in Scotland and on the global stage.
Although he spent a season with Watsonians, it was at Kelso in the Scottish Borders where Smith truly established his reputation. He earned his first Scotland cap in 1957 and quickly became a key figure in the national side.
In 1959, he was selected as one of five Scots for the Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand, captained by Ronnie Dawson. During the tour, Smith made 17 appearances, including four Test matches.
A tribute to Ken Smith, the Scotland and Lions back-rower, who has sadly passed away aged 96 🕊️ https://t.co/W9F5VOS9Oo
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 2, 2026
He scored the decisive final try in the Lions’ 17–6 victory over the Wallabies in the opening Test. His final appearance on the tour came in Canada against British Columbia.
After returning home, Smith played two further seasons for Scotland before transitioning into an influential administrative career.
He served as Scotland’s tour manager during their 1981 tour of New Zealand and later became chairman of World Rugby — then known as the International Rugby Board — in 1990/91. In 1994/95, he was appointed president of the Scottish Rugby Union and was made a CBE during his tenure.
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