Gavin Hastings

Gavin Hastings was one of the outstanding Rugby Union players of his generation and shares anecdotes and wisdom at conferences with his motivational speeches. He is an excellent after dinner speaker and an enthusiastic attendee at golfing days and dinners.

Born in Edinburgh in 1962, Gavin was educated at George Watson's College before going on to study Land Economy at Cambridge University via Paisley College of Technology. He won two rugby blues at Cambridge and captained them in the 1985 Varsity Match. Five weeks later he won his first Cap for Scotland in the 1986 Five Nations Championship match against France, alongside his brother Scott. He kicked six penalty goals on his debut to give Scotland an 18-17 victory.

During his playing career, he captained Watsonians (in Scotland), London Scottish (in England), the Barbarians (in Hong Kong), the British Lions (in New Zealand) and Scotland (in South Africa), and he toured with various representative teams all over the world.

Gavin played in the first three Rugby World Cups and was a member of the historic Scotland Team that won the Grand Slam in 1990. He also scored a memorable try that gave Scotland victory in Paris in 1995 – their first away win against France for 26 years.

He retired from International Rugby after the 1995 World Cup in South Africa with over 700 points having played 61 tests for his country (20 as Captain) and 6 for the British Lions.

Upon his retirement from rugby, Gavin set up a company specialising in sports marketing and event management. Current clients include The Famous Grouse whiskey, proud sponsors of the Scotland Rugby Team as well as BT Scotland, BT Cellnet and The Ladies European Golf Tour.

Gavin is much in demand for after dinner and motivational speaking.

In addition to his interest in rugby which he maintains with television and other media work, he is also a keen golfer who plays to a 6 handicap at Gullane and Loch Lomond Golf Clubs.