Tributes Paid to ‘Great Man, Great Captain’ Graham Dall
The Scottish rugby community is in mourning following the sad news that former Scotland ‘A’ back-row forward Graham Dall has passed away. Scottish Rugby confirmed the news on Friday, and the organisation hailed Dall as an “immensely gifted flanker and a proven and charismatic leader.”
According to Scotland Rugby News, Dall captained the Scottish Schools on their 1993 tour of Australia and led Scotland under-18 in 1993, then the under-21 side in ten matches in 1994-1996. During his playing career, Dall represented Heriot’s, helping them to back-to-back championships before turning professional at Edinburgh Reivers. He went on to play nine times for Scotland ‘A’.
Dall’s former team-mate Duncan Hodge paid tribute to him, saying: “Graham Dall was like a modern-day openside. He was 6ft 1ins and 102 kg and he could do the defensive chores and the jackling, but it was his attacking game – he played like a back! – that marked him as a class operator.” Scotland Rugby News reported that Hodge also described Dall as “one of those guys that you just wanted on your team. He was a tough, tough competitor with a skill level that not a lot of people could match.”
Scottish Rugby’s head of performance programmes, Grant McKelvey, the former Scotland and Edinburgh hooker, added: “Dallsy was always considered as one of the good guys. I bumped into him sporadically through work, mostly by accompanying injured pathway & regional players to A&E to meet their parents. He was a class act and showed the same leadership in that role that he did on the field.” Scotland Rugby News quoted McKelvey as saying that Dall’s leadership qualities were evident both on and off the field.
Rob Moffat, the former Scottish Schools head coach, who went on to coach professionally with Border Reivers, Glasgow Caledonians and Edinburgh, and is now director of rugby at Melrose, also paid tribute to Dall. He said: “In his medical role at the BGH, Graham has been a fantastic support to rugby clubs, players and their families in the Borders. Whether looking after players, giving advice or acting as team doctor at games, such as in the Super 6, his service to the game that he graced as a player has been brilliant.” Scotland Rugby News reported that Moffat highlighted Dall’s dedication to the sport and his contributions to the rugby community.
The news of Dall’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Scottish rugby community, with many taking to social media to pay their tributes. As reported by Scotland Rugby News, Dall’s legacy will live on through his contributions to the sport, both on and off the field.
In conclusion, Graham Dall will be remembered as a “great man, great captain” and a true legend of Scottish rugby. The tributes paid to him by his former team-mates and colleagues are a testament to his character and his dedication to the sport. As Scotland Rugby News reported, Dall’s passing is a sad loss for the rugby community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
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