New brew is winner for Easton
First pint goes down in one
The world’s oldest rugby player, Stirling County legend Easton Roy, has had a lager named after him.
And the 95-year-old was at the clubhouse bar for the launch of the tipple – and marked the occasion by downing the first pint in one.
Easton played for County for 60 years and is remarkably still going strong, turning out for a game to celebrate his birthday earlier this year.
His latest honour came after the club approached the Belhaven brewery for a new beer. Players chose their favourite lager from a blind taste test before voting to name it after the club stalwart.
Easton said: “I always thought lager was a bit gassy but it tasted good. I was an ale drinker but I’ve changed my tune.
“I downed the first pint in a oner. It was a good night.”
The new Easton Roy Lager tap even bears his picture as its logo, depicting him swigging from a bottle after his 95th birthday game.
He added: “It’s got my name and picture on it but I think I still have to pay at the bar.
“I won’t be downing any more in one though. I usually like to enjoy my drink.”
And he joked: “They’d better keep the taste right or the players will be pulling my leg and telling me all about it.”
Easton played for the club for six decades before officially hanging up his boots after starring in the Golden Oldies World Cup at the age of 85.
The retired roofer still keeps fit in the gym and enjoys turning back the clock in legends matches.
Stirling County RFC president Lorne Boswell said: “I’m delighted to say it was the players’ idea to name the lager after Easton.
“We thought it was a genius idea and with Belhaven’s help we had the pumps made up and put behind the bar.
“I told Easton the first pint was his and he downed it in one. I think he enjoyed it. He’s made of kryptonite.
“It’s been a brilliant experience from beginning to end.”
Easton started playing rugby when he joined the RAF during World War Two. 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.
Easton, 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 containing Scotland legend and former Lions skipper Gavin Hastings.
The same year he was honoured with a “local hero” Stirling Civic Award at Stirling Castle for his contribution to sport.
This year he was chieftain of Bridge of Allan Highland Games, following in the footsteps of tennis coach Judy Murray, actress Dame Diana Rigg, television presenter Kirsty Young and sports stars Ally McCoist and Kenny Logan.
It’s got my name and picture on it but I think I still have to pay at the bar