Allan Hosie

It is with heavy but full hearts that we say goodbye to Allan Hosie, a man who lived life with a firm handshake, a booming laugh, and a whistle that commanded respect on pitches across the country. Born in 1946, Allan was the sort of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone—whether it was a fellow referee, a nervous player, or a stranger in a queue—and leave them feeling like an old friend. He wasn’t just a fixture in the world of Scottish rugby; he was the heartbeat of it for decades. From his early days officiating matches to the incredible honor of becoming the 116th President of the Scottish Rugby Union, Allan wore his love for the game on his sleeve. Even when he was awarded his Scotland referee cap in January 2025, a proud moment for any official, he remained humble, always quick to deflect praise onto the players and the community he cherished. But for those of us lucky enough to call him family, Allan was so much more than his career highlights. He was the rock of our home, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who believed that the most important match of the day was the one played in the backyard with the kids. He brought the same passion he had for rugby into our living room, whether he was cheering on his grandchildren at their school sports days or simply hosting a Sunday roast where the stories flowed as freely as the tea. He taught us that integrity, fairness, and a good sense of humor could get you through anything. Allan found immense joy in the simple things—a well-tended garden, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, and the camaraderie of the clubhouse after a long Saturday of watching the game he loved. He had a way of making everyone feel seen; he remembered names, he asked about your mother, and he genuinely cared about the answer. His impact on the Scottish rugby community is etched in the history books, but his impact on our lives is written in the lessons he taught us about kindness, dedication, and loyalty. We will miss his booming voice and his larger-than-life presence, but we take comfort knowing that Allan lived a life well-played. He leaves behind a legacy that isn’t just measured in caps or titles, but in the countless lives he touched with his warmth and wisdom. Rest easy, Allan. The pitch is quiet without you, but our hearts are loud with love.