The ‘oldest winger in town’ at 95
● Ex- Stirling County player scores decisive try in charity match with former club
A rugby player has been dubbed “the oldest winger in town” – despite being a prop – after scrumming down on his 95th birthday.
Easton Roy retired from playing with Stirling County ten years ago, but dusted off his boots to celebrate the milestone.
A rugby enthusiast who is thought to be the world’s oldest player is still going strong after turning out for a game at the age of 95.
Easton Roy played for Stirling County RFC for 60 years before officially hanging up his boots after taking part in the Golden Oldies World Cup at the age of 85.
But Mr Roy – dubbed “the oldest winger in town” despite being a prop – recently declared he wanted a game at the club’s Bridgehaugh home to mark his 95th birthday.
He ran out once more on Friday night in a charity match featuring past and present club players.
The retired roofer managed the whole 40 minutes and even left a few opposition players battered and bruised before scoring the decisive try to a round of cheers.
He said yesterday: “It was good fun. I was a bit apprehensive because I’ve not pulled on my boots for a good while, but I felt all right when I got out on the pitch.
“It was great seeing the old boys and reviving the old memories. I keep myself pretty fit in the gym and I go out for a wee jog but nothing beats playing a game of rugby.”
Mr Roy, who celebrated after the game with a bottle of port, added: “I didn’t feel the pain until after I sobered up. I actually felt quite good on Saturday morning, but on Sunday I needed a couple of baths to soften myself off.
“But I think we’ll have another go next year.”
The match, which raised hundreds of pounds for Strathcarron Hospice, was played by select sides comprising county stalwarts from some of the club’s most successful teams of the past. members of bannock burn RFC, where Mr Royal so played in the past, also turned up to pay tribute to him.
Stirling County stalwart Allan Imrie, 43, who organised the match, said: “Easton’s a unique force of nature. He still works out and goes for a run every day.
“He was down watching the First 15 recently and said he fancied another run out. Some people might have worried about his age and whether he’d hurt himself but he’s really unbreakable.
“He was up and down the pitch like a youngster and I can vouch that he’s still rock solid in the scrum – it’s like scrumming a brick wall.”
Mr Roy began playing when he joined the RAF during the Second World War. He began his 60-year playing career at Stirling County after he returned home, and starred for the first team for 27 years.
He later played for County’s 2nd and 3rd XVS before turning out for the club’s “Wolfhounds” and several other “old crocks” teams.
He was active behind the scenes at County when Scotland internationalist Kenny Logan was starting his career at the club.
Mr Roy, who was also a champion RAF boxer, was a star of the over-35s Golden Oldies World Cup at Murrayfield in 2008. His team, the Baggy Pipers, took on a side including former Scotland and Lions captain Gavin Hastings. The same year he was honoured with a “local hero” Stirling civic award at Stirling Castle for his contribution to sport.