Alexander (Sandy) Kilpatrick was introduced to rugby at Hamilton Academy, joining Hamilton RFC as a playing member in 1959 at the age of 17.
Now in his 63rd year of continuous membership and can be found most Saturday’s [when circumstances allow] greeting the referees and visiting supporters at Laigh Bent.

The club has described Sandy as being “as passionate about rugby and Hamilton Rugby Club today as he was on the day he started playing back in the 1950s”.

From playing in the 1XV, to coaching; refereeing to serving as club the match secretary, and even a spell as groundsman, over the last 30 years, Sandy has done it all.

Upon graduating from university Sandy returned to his roots at Hamilton Academy as a Physics Teacher and Rugby Master. Sandy has had a profound impact on many people over the last 60 years, especially in his work with local schools.

Testimonials written by players including Dave Russell and Mike Marron, explained that without Sandy’s “encouragement and enthusiasm” the pair would never have developed a lifelong love for rugby.

The stalwart later went on to champion school rugby at Cathkin High and Uddingston Grammar.

Sandy’s work to deliver positive rugby experiences have further been bolstered over the years through his involvement in the club’s bi-annual French rugby trip involving Châtellerault Rugby Athlétique Club (CRAC), which affords young players the opportunity to play rugby on an alternate visit to France and Scotland.

In 1994, which saw U16 and U18 teams travel to France for the first time, Sandy attended both as a coach and supporter, and was instrumental in ensuring the young players fully enjoyed the cultural experience of playing in a foreign country and engaging socially with their opposition.

For many years since then, ever keen to step up when needed, Sandy acts as translator when the guests from CRAC visit Hamilton.

In more recent times, Sandy continues to volunteer his time to support club charity projects and helps keep former players connected to the club as one of the creators of the ‘Gold Bulls’ initiative.

A special mention for Sam Smith too who was nominated for the Community Champion award

Details of all the winners can be found here

#BullsFamily