Scots rugby star dies as he competes in triathlon
● Former Glasgow Hawks player falls ill in swim section of gruelling race
Tributes have poured in for a former Glasgow rugby star who died while competing in a gruelling triathlon in Singapore.
Steve Begley, 42, became unwell during the swimming leg of the race yesterday.
Begley was part of the Glasgow Hawks team that won the League and Cup double in 1998. Former Scotland World Cup ace Glenn Metcalfe paid tribute to “larger than life” Begley.
A FORMER Glasgow Hawks rugby star has died while competing in a gruelling triathlon in Singapore.
Steve Begley, 42, who also played for Watsonians, is believed to have taken ill during the sprint swimming event in the competition, which also involves long-distance running and cycling.
He was pulled from the water by rescue crews, but paramedics were unable to save him.
Mr Begley had been a pivotal member of the Glasgow squad when the team turned professional in the mid 1990s.
Tributes poured in yesterday from friends and colleagues .
Former Scotland World Cup star Glenn Metcalfe, who played alongside Begley for Glasgow and other sides, said: “I was so sad when I heard the news. Steve was the first guy I met when I arrived in Glasgow from New Zealand in 1996.
“He was a larger than life character who was always fun to be around. He was a mate to everyone and a pleasure to have known.”
Metcalfe, now back in New Zealand working as a firefighter, added: “He was one of life’s fun guys and I will miss the big geezer.”
Hawks past president Chas Afuakwah said: “The news was hard to believe. Steve had just taken up rugby again after a spell out of the sport and he had taken part in several triathlons.
“I gather he had done one stint of swimming and had then done the running part of the competition. There was a second swim and it was when he was back in the water that something happened.” Mr Begley moved to Singapore ten years ago to pursue his career in the financial services industry.
A spokesman from the Triathlon Association of Singapore said: “We are deeply sad- dened to confirm the death of a competitor during the swim portion of the International Triathlon.
“Immediate medical assistance and resuscitation was commenced. The competitor was transported to Singapore General Hospital. Sadly, he could not be revived. All our prayers are with his family at this time.”
A post mortem examination will be held.