Former Scotland rugby player dies day after 1,000-mile cycle

Ken MacAulay raised over £13,000 for charity prior to his death

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

Ken MacAulay, 67 died following a cardiac arrest on Sunday after completing a three-week challenge that saw him raise over £13,000 for four charities.

The rugby player who received a cap for Scotland also played for teams such as Gala, Heriot’s and North Berwick.

The challenge saw him visit all 76 clubs and pitches he had played at during his 30-year career.

In a statement 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."

Members of the Rugby community, including some of his former clubs, have also paid tribute to him.

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

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

He said it was devastating that he died so soon after completing "such a selfless mission".

Ken MacAulay (left) was given his Scotland cap this year by Scottish Rugby president Colin Rigby

Gala Rugby Club said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that Gala Rugby announce 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."

A spokesperson for North Berwick Rugby club added they were "heartbroken" and "extremely proud" of the former player.

The cycle raised money for four charities, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (Scotland) and Prostate Scotland.

A spokesperson for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said they were "desperately sad" following the news.

"Ken was a remarkable individual, a true supporter and through his challenge he raised substantial funds for four causes he cared deeply about," the spokesperson added.

The former player set off from Galashiels earlier this month

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 with retrospective caps.

Mr Macaulay finally received his cap 44 years after being picked for a Scotland squad, which travelled to meet a France Select team in Bordeaux.

It was after receiving his cap that MacAulay felt the need to give something back to the sport.

On his fundraising page, Mr Macaulay said the challenge would take him "well out of my comfort zone" as he was "no spring chicken". Along the way he was joined by fellow ex-players and for some of the challenge his son, Richard.

The cycle started in Galashields on 5 October and saw him visit clubs all the way from Lochaber to Dundee.

After completing the cycle on Saturday, he updated his fundraising page stating that it had been "pretty hectic" for the "conclusion of my adventure" but that he would provide more updates in the coming days.