Rugby legend Brown dies

Gordon Brown runs out for the British Lions

Former Scotland and British Lions legend Gordon Brown has died of cancer at the age of 53.

'Broon frae Troon' as he was affectionately known had fought the battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over a year before learning in February that it had reached the incurable stage.

Brown leaves a wife, Linda, and children Mardi and Rory.

Despite his fearsome build, 6ft 5ins and 16 stone, Brown was a genial and gentle giant, liked by team-mates and opponents in equal measure.

After a career which spanned 30 international caps and three tours with the British Lions in the 1970s, Brown became a celebrated after-dinner speaker.

Tributes

Former team-mates paid tribute to the man who was considered by many to be one of the best lock forwards of all time.

Andy Irvine said: "As a player, Broonie was one of Scotland's greats.

"As a character, he was always good fun, he always had a smile on his face, nothing seemed to bother him.

"He was an entertainer, a bit of an exhibitionist, and we all loved him because he was just the most fantastic raconteur.

"He was a great, great guy and he will be very sadly missed."

Former Lions team-mate Jim Telfer said: "I knew right from the start that he was going to be a great player just from his presence.

"With the Lions he came across as a player who thrived on playing against top quality opposition."