Retired Scotland rugby player dies the day after completing 1,000-mile charity cycle

A former Scotland rugby player has died the day after completing a 1,000-mile cycle for charity.

Ken MacAulay died on Sunday after completing a three-week challenge that saw him raise over £14,000 for four charities.

The 67-year-old visited all 76 clubs and pitches he played at during his career, which spanned over three decades.

He completed the challenge, cycling over 1,000 miles, at the Gala Rugby Club on Saturday.

In a statement following his death, his family said: “We’re so proud of him but overwhelmed by his loss at the same time.

“Ken’s first response to receiving his retrospective cap was to use it as a platform to give back, we are so in awe of all he has achieved.”

During his career, Mr MacAulay received a cap for Scotland and played for teams such as Gala, Heriot’s, and North Berwick.

He also coached at North Berwick High School and continued to play before retiring at the end of the 2005-06 season at the age of 48 after playing in 21 of their 22 games.

His last game was a Bowl semi-final against Highland.

Earlier this year, he was one of 75 players to be added to Scottish rugby’s roll of honour, recognising their contribution to international matches.

Scottish Rugby has said it will fly flags at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadium in Mr MacAulay’s memory and will mark his passing at the Scotland v Fiji game on Saturday.

Scottish Rugby president Colin Rigby said: “Ken was a big man, with an outgoing personality. His passion for rugby knew no bounds.

“He took immense pride in being awarded a Scotland cap and was determined to ‘give something back’ after such a rich and fulfilling rugby career.

“It was a measure of the esteem in which he was held that former Scotland players and British & Irish Lions joined him on legs of that cycle, as well as friends from the wider rugby family in Scotland.

“It is devastating news to hear of Ken’s passing, so soon after he had completed such a selfless mission, and we send all our love to his family and friends.”

Mr Macaulay’s former club, Gala Rugby Club, paid tribute to him in a statement reading: “It is with a heavy heart that Gala Rugby announces the passing of Ken Macaulay.

“Everyone at Gala Rugby would like to send their condolences to Pat, Richard and Joanna – and the rest of Ken’s family – at this tough time.”

North Berwick Rugby Club paid its respects, saying it was “heartbroken” and “extremely proud” of the former player.

“The news was a huge shock following the successful completion of his marathon 1000+ mile cycle visiting the 76 Scottish Rugby grounds where he had played in his career.

“He had stopped by the club just on Wednesday for a celebratory dinner. Ken is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest just hours after finishing the challenge at Netherdale, Gala RFC.

“The whole club is extremely proud of Ken and his successful challenge, at the time of writing he had raised over £12,000 for his four charities.

“Our thoughts are with Pat, Richard and Joanna – and the rest of Ken’s family, we will do everything we can to support”.

Mr MacAulay’s charity cycle raised vital funds for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (Scotland) and Prostate Scotland.

A spokesperson for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland added: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Ken Macaulay so soon after completing his epic cycling challenge.

“We are hugely grateful that Ken chose Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as one of the charities to benefit from his challenge, and would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.”