John Lawrie

Following a successful Junior football career with Kello Rovers and then Arniston Rangers, Johnny joined a growing number of converted ex-footballers and took up the game with the oval ball in 1977 at Biggar RFC, which club had been formed in 1975. He immediately made an impact via his game sense, skill level and his overall enthusiasm for sports.

He played as a flank forward and soon made the No 7 jersey his own. He was quick on his feet, played a hard game of rugby, could kick well, often headed the ball well – yes, as a rugby player Johnny was one of the few players (if not the ONLY player) who would on occasion header the ball back to the opposition, a tactic which totally confounded our opponents AND bamboozled the referee!! On the pitch he was a great grafter, very keen to understand and learn about the game, quick to pick up on tactical options and quick to suss out team mates and opposition strengths and weaknesses.

His leadership and motivational skills were self-evident and after a short while playing rugby he was elected as Club vice-captain in season 1978-79 and then as Captain in season 1980-82 (3 seasons). He had a great friendship with 1st XV coach George Jack (who is now SRU President) and this relationship paid dividends for many years.

His involvement as captain also saw him take training on a regular basis with ‘Ring-a-ring-a-Roses’ being one of his more unconventional training games!! He had the respect of his team-mates and after a game was always keen to meet and chat (party with!).

His tenure as captain coincided with the club opening its pitches at Hartreemill (1980) and also in gaining promotion from EDU Div 1 to National League Division 7 in season 1981-82.

He and J J McCann were instrumental in providing manpower and equipment for much of the preparation work at Hartreemill, particularly work on the car-park and entrance gate posts. This has continued throughout and was especially the case with the building of the club house when he was absolutely committed to its construction and development in 1989/90. His experience within the building trade proved invaluable for the success of this project.

His playing days over, Johnny was quick to take up coaching and took joint responsibility for the Colts with the late Rod Craise, this being a particularly effective and successful partnership as the Colts won numerous EDU District championships and then reached the final of the Scottish Youth Cup in season 1990/91 (losing out to Stirling County in a very close fought final). Boys were coached to play a hard, yet open brand of rugby but all also learned much about life and its ups and downs!

Things got better, however, and in season 1993/94 Rod and Johnny, now in their 5th season as coaches (Johnny combining this role with that of President!), coached the Colts XV to the EDU championship and then the National Youth Championship which they won by defeating Kelso Harlequins, one of the top Youth sides at the time. Many members of these squads have since progressed to senior rugby and have formed the backbone of the club ever since.

In 1991/92 he took the next step on the representative rung as Vice President, and after 2 seasons in this post he became President for season 1993/94 and 1994/95. Again his leadership skills were to the fore as he, along with Denis Lavery, began negotiating with various coaches and many overseas players who have brought experience and colour to our game. This task has involved many, many hours of negotiation, phone calls and meetings, not a task which many could complete but one which has ensured Biggar have maintained their position as one of Scotland’s top clubs. Few would have ever expected to see Kelso’s Eric Paxton or ex-Melrose man Gary Parker take charge at Biggar, but this has much to do with Johnny’s straight talking approach and to the respect he engenders from those he meets.

Johnny has been on the committee since he was appointed as Vice President in 1991

He has also coached the 2nd XV and for the past few seasons has been 1st XV Yeam Manager.

Johnny has been ever-present on the touchline at 1st XV games and was quick to offer help to the 2nds this season when they were without a coach. Needless to say his influence was to the fore with tactical advice and selection on at least two occasions seeing Biggar pull off dramatic last minute wins!

A Biggar man and one who has done a quite incredible job at BRFC.

Biggar RFC were delighted to learn that John Lawrie was acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement award from Clydesdale District Sports Council at their awards dinner last Friday.

As a past 1st XV player, Captain, President, Colts and senior coach, playing convenor and committee member - the list is endless - the award recognises John's massive contribution to the club. His involvement began after he switched codes, having played football for, among others, Arniston Rangers in 1976. John took to rugby like the proverbial duck to water and this involvement has now spanned the intervening 32 years.

The club believes of course that the award is recognition of his continuing participation in sport rather than as some sort of a signal for him to stop!!! Well done Johnny!!