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Scottish rugby loses one of its last links with 1938 Triple Crown

First-hand memories of Scotland's Triple Crown-winning squad of 1938 are close to slipping away with the death this week of one of the last survivors, Dr John "Jake" Borthwick, aged 96.

Scotland sealed a historic home nations clean sweep a year before the Second World War broke out, scoring ten tries in the three victories – France were not involved from 1931-47 due to rumours of professionalism, of which the home unions took a very dim view.

Dr Borthwick, a prop who played for Daniel Stewart's FP, was one of eight players to make his international debut in the first match of 1938, against Wales, a game the Scots won 8-6 thanks to a last-gasp penalty kick by Wilfred Crawford. He kept his place to play in the more comprehensive 23-14 win over Ireland, also at Murrayfield.

Dr Borthwick lived opposite the Old Parish and St Paul's Church in Galashiels and was an elder of the church. The church's minister, Reverend Leslie Steele, said: "Jake was a gentleman. He was known for his rugby, but he was a very keen sportsman – a keen golfer and curler – and he liked to watch football.

"He was a very loyal supporter of the church for many years and, in 2000. He was widely respected both in the medical world and further afield, and he will be sadly missed."

Full story at The Scotsman.