'Huge shock': Scottish Rugby leads tributes to Ally Donaldson after respected coach passes away aged 60

Donaldson was a well known and hugely respected coach who served as Director of Rugby at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh for 36 years. He was also the former head coach of Currie, having had an integral association with the Malleny Park outfit for a number of years.

Along with Graham Hogg, he led the club to two separate Premiership titles, first in 2007 and then again in 2010. Donaldson also played an important part in the developments of several Scotland internationals during his coaching career including Stuart McInally, Adam Hastings, Matt Scott and Luke Crosbie.

Another national team cap who benefited from his tutelage was Edinburgh centurion Ben Cairns, who went on to take over from Donaldson, along with his brother Mark, at Currie. The significant role he played in the club’s history was highlighted by vice president Duncan Wilson, who said: “You would need pages and pages to note the roles he delivered so brilliantly at Currie Rugby Club.”

Donaldson was part of a cohort of former Scotland players who were awarded retrospective caps in 2023 for their participation in a tour of the South Pacific some 30 years earlier. He represented his country in a 21-10 victory over Fiji at the Commonwealth Stadium in Suva in 1993, scoring 11 points from his boot, and was eventually recognised as Scotland cap number 1191 at a ceremony three years ago.

Donaldson also had roles within the SRU as an age grade coach as well as head coach of the Club XV side.

SRU president Keith Wallace described his sudden passing as a “huge shock”, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ally’s family, friends, all at Currie Rugby Club and the wider rugby community.”

Roy Mack, a former colleague at George Watson’s College, who was also involved in coaching in the early days at Currie, also paid tribute to Donaldson. He said: “Ally was a cracking human being, an absolute 100% guy. He would routinely go the extra mile and then some, when it came to helping young players.”

Edinburgh Rugby posted a tribute on social media which read: “Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former club captain, Ally Donaldson.

“Ally made his debut for Edinburgh in 1992, becoming cap #911, and was part of the club's first professional squad in 1996 before being named captain the following year.

“A giant of the game in the capital, Ally went on to become a stalwart of coaching at Currie and Director of Rugby at George Watson's College, playing a key role in developing so many of the players who went on to wear the castle on their chest.

“Our thoughts are with Ally's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

He is survived by his wife Elaine, daughters Laura, Amy, Katie and Lucy, his three grandsons and father Kenny. Scottish Rugby have said they will provide updates on Donaldson’s funeral service when they are made available.