David Rollo (rugby union)

David Miller Durie Rollo was a prop forward who played for Scotland. Unusually for a Scotland internationalist, he came from Fife.[1]

Not to be confused with David Rollo (footballer).

David Rollo
Birth nameDavid Miller Durie Rollo
Date of birth (1934-07-07) 7 July 1934
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight14 st 7 lb (203 lb; 92 kg)
SchoolBell Baxter High School
Occupation(s)Farmer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Howe of Fife R.F.C.
Barbarian F.C.		 ()
Correct as of 15 November 2009
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1959-1968
1962		 Scotland
British Lions		 40
0		 0
0

As a prop, he could play both tight and loosehead:

"the Fife farmer who always played with his stockings rolled down to his ankles, was strong and skilful enough to play on either side of the scrum."[1]

Allan Massie includes Rollo in his All-Time XV's reserves, saying "Rollo's ability to play on either side of the scrum would make him a natural member of the squad".[2]

Rollo went to Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, and continues to support their rugby team.[3] However, while at school, he preferred football.[3]

Bill McLaren witnessed Rollo's international debut, at the 1959 Calcutta Cup game

"That 1959 match, at which I shared the radio commentary was quite distinctive for the courage shown by the Fife farmer, David Rollo who was gaining his first cap out of the Howe of Fife club. Soon after the start David suffered a broken nose, but after a brief absence for repairs, he returned to play prop with undiminished fire. After that debut it hardly was surprising that David went on to gain 40 caps."[4]

Rollo played for Howe of Fife R.F.C. until he was 40.[3]

References
  • McLaren, Bill Talking of Rugby (1991, Stanley Paul, London ISBN 0-09-173875-X)
  • Massie, Allan A Portrait of Scottish Rugby (Polygon, Edinburgh; ISBN 0-904919-84-6)
  1. Massie, p166
  2. Massie, p195
  3. Ferguson, David Rollo sets target for pupils of today, The Scotsman, published 20 December 2006
  4. McLaren, p 91
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