DAVID GRAYScottish rugby’s ‘Gentle Giant’, David Gray, died on 2 April, 2009 at the age of 56.He was capped nine times for his country in the late 1970s and early 1980s and was known for his imposing 6ft 8in and 17st 10lb frame.He made his Scotland debut in 1978 in a match against England and went on to play in the 1980 Five Nations tournament.In his club career the forward played for Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Glasgow and West of Scotland.Kilmarnock was his home town and he was educated locally. After retiring from rugby he worked as a planner for North Ayrshire Council. He had a son and daughter who survived him after his sudden death while running with his local athletics club.Former Scotland captain Ian McLauchlan was among the first to pay tribute: "Big Davie was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, on or off the rugby pitch. He was always a happy guy, no matter whether he was winning or losing," he said."I also remember him as being very, very kind – the sort of man who would do anything to help you out. I am hugely saddened to hear the news of his premature death."Another former Scotland team-mate Dougie Morgan added: "David was an enormous hunk of a boy, but really a gentle giant. A lot of people remember him for his distinctive silver hair, which made him look a lot older than he was."But he was an excellent rugby player who was so enthusiastic and hard-working when he was part of the Scotland set-up."Alistair McHarg said: "It was David who took my place in the Scottish side when I was dropped. I got to know him through training with the national squad and he was a powerful lad."A statement issued by the Scottish Rugby Union said: "We are saddened to learn of the death of former Scotland lock David Gray."He was the proverbial man mountain in his playing days and a key figure in a formidable West of Scotland and Glasgow pack. We extend our sincere condolences to David Gray's family and friends."
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