Biography
Finlay Calder OBE, born on 20 August 1957 in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, is a renowned former international rugby union player. He was educated at Stewart’s Melville College, a school known for producing rugby talent. Calder’s rugby career is marked by his tenacity and leadership on the field, playing primarily as an open side flanker. He comes from a rugby family, with his brother Jim Calder also being an international player and his nephew Lewis Calder continuing the family tradition.
Teams Played For
Amateur Teams
- Stewart’s Melville
- Heriots
Provincial/State Teams
- Edinburgh District
- Combined Scottish Districts (1986)
International Teams
- Scotland ‘B’ (1983-1984)
- Scotland (1986-1991)
- British and Irish Lions (1989)
International Caps
Finlay Calder earned 2 caps for Scotland ‘B’ from 1983 to 1984. He then progressed to the full Scotland team, where he earned 34 caps between 1986 and 1991, scoring a total of 8 points. Additionally, Calder represented the British and Irish Lions in 1989, earning 3 caps during the tour to Australia.
Key Moments in His Sporting Career
- International Debut (1986)
- Finlay Calder made his full international debut for Scotland against France in 1986, marking the beginning of a distinguished international career.
- Scottish Inter-District Championship (1986-1987)
- Calder played a pivotal role in the Edinburgh District team that won the 1986-87 Scottish Inter-District Championship, highlighting his prowess in domestic competitions.
- British and Irish Lions Captaincy (1989)
- Calder captained the British and Irish Lions during their 1989 tour to Australia. This was a significant achievement as he was the first Scottish player to captain the Lions since 1966 and led the team to their first series victory since 1974.
- 1986 Match Against South of Scotland
- He played for the Combined Scottish Districts in a memorable match against South of Scotland on 1 March 1986, demonstrating his versatility and skill in various regional teams.
- 1987 Rugby World Cup
- Calder was an integral part of the Scotland team that competed in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, contributing to Scotland’s competitive presence on the world stage.
- 1990 New Year Honours
- In recognition of his services to rugby, Finlay Calder was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1990 New Year Honours.
- 1991 Rugby World Cup
- Calder’s last international game was during the 1991 Rugby World Cup, where Scotland faced New Zealand in the third-place play-off match.
Finlay Calder’s career is a testament to his drive, determination, and exceptional understanding of the game. His ability to lead and inspire both his teammates and the opposition is remembered as one of the defining aspects of his career, making him a standout figure in the history of Scottish rugby.