George Russell this week's Local Hero

• 25 May 2020
• News

​This week’s It’s Good 2 Give Local Hero is George Russell, a real champion of Scottish rugby, who sadly passed away this month, aged 90.

Russell helped found Moray House RFC, for whom he was president for over 49 years, a record that is still believed to be unprecedented in Scottish rugby history.

Heavily involved with the Edinburgh District sides through the years, Russell played a major role in ensuring Bruce Hay – the legendary Liberton and Boroughmuir fullback – progressed through the system to represent Scotland, and ultimately the British & Irish Lions.

Russell continued to play until the age of 72, which highlights both his love and commitment to the game that he gave so much to during his life.

Last week, Bill Lothian of the Edinburgh Evening News paid tribute to George Russell in his weekly community column, where he spoke to both George’s family and friends, who looked back on his years in rugby with fond memories.

Kenny Dickson, a long-serving Moray House RFC, said: “George was dedicated to Moray House and played his first game for us aged 16 in 1946.

He helped make Moray House a friendly club welcoming all new members and was a father figure to many younger students. Moray House was his second family.”

John Roxburgh – a former Director of Rugby at Scottish Rugby – said: “George always had a cheery greeting and usually a tale to tell.”

George is survived by son Grant, daughter Karen and grandchild Mark, and will be always be remembered for his efforts to improve rugby throughout Scotland. He is this week’s It’s Good 2 Give Local Hero.