Gordon Simpson (rugby union)
Gordon Leslie Simpson (born 21 September 1971) is a New Zealand-born rugby union player who played number eight, formerly for Glasgow Caledonians and also representing Scotland. He was known by the nickname "badger" because of his ability to win the ball close to the ground.[1]
Full name | Gordon Leslie Simpson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Date of birth | 21 September 1971 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Takapuna, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 110 kg (17 st 5 lb; 243 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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He was born in New Zealand and began playing there for Wellington. He arrived in Scotland in 1998 and initially played for Kirkcaldy RFC, briefly for Caledonia Reds,[2] then for Glasgow Caledonians [3] (now Glasgow Warriors).
International career
He qualified to play for Scotland through his maternal grandfather, who was born in the Knightswood area of Glasgow.[1] He made his debut against Australia in Sydney on 13 June 1998. He played in four matches at the World Cup in 1999.
He was recalled to the Scotland side in 2001, after a year where he had been injured.[4] He played in the Six Nations 2000-2001 Championship.
His last appearance for Scotland was against New Zealand at Murrayfield on 24 November 2001 where he scored a try. Gordon retired from international rugby in 2003 & returned to NZ & is now married 10years to Angela with 2 kids Parker 7 & Marnie 3.
References
- Kelso, David (15 November 2000). "Simpson vows to fight for his Scotland place". The Herald. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
- http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12340794.Caledonians_in_line_for_a_South_African_boost/
- "Scotland keep their noses to the grindstone". The Scotsman. Johnston Press. 5 June 2000. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
- "Simpson back for Scotland". BBC News. 24 May 2001.