Gordon Lamont Brown
(Broon frae Troon)

1947 - 2001

Gordon Brown
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

International rugby player. Born in Troon, the son of a professional football goal-keeper, Brown was perhaps Scotland's greatest rugby forward. Brown was a huge man of some 1.96 m (6' 5"). His brother, Peter, was also an international player.

Brown was capped 30 times for Scotland, touring Argentina (1969) and Australia (1970) and played nine times for the British Lions. However, following a brawl, Brown was suspended for two years and never played for Scotland again. Brown was a key member of the British Lions team which was victorious in New Zealand (1971) and South Africa (1974), the only occasions Scotland has had success in these countries. Brown holds the world record of eight tries scored by a forward on an international tour.

Brown was involved with charities to help the sick and disabled and was Vice-Chairman of the National Playing Fields Association in Scotland. He is author of three books on rugby, a broadcaster and a keen golfer (a member of both Royal Troon and Old Prestwick golf clubs).

Known for his kilt and his infectious humour, Brown became a popular after-dinner speaker.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry