Rugby player. Born in Edinburgh, Irvine was regarded as one of the best Scottish rugby players of the 20th Century. Having made his international debut in 1972, playing against New Zealand at Murrayfield, Irvine went on to play for his country on a total of 51 occasions, 15 of these as Captain. He made a further nine appearances with the British Lions during their tours of South Africa (1974), New Zealand (1977) and South Africa (1980). A gifted attacking full-back, Irvine was the first player to amass more than 300 points during his international career.
Irvine retired in 1982 and was subsequently awarded an MBE. He is now a successful businessman and became one of the first members of the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.