Edinburgh to honour Ally Donaldson ahead of Stormers
1 Oct 2026Supporters asked to be in their seats early at Hive Stadium to celebrate a former captain and a giant of capital rugby.
Edinburgh Rugby will hold a moment’s applause before kick-off against DHL Stormers at Hive Stadium tomorrow night to celebrate the life of former club captain Ally Donaldson, who passed away earlier this week aged 60.
Supporters are encouraged to be in their seats in good time ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off, so the whole stadium can take part in the tribute.
Ally’s place in the club’s story is a special one. He was Edinburgh cap number 911, making his district debut in 1992. Four years later he was part of the capital’s first ever professional squad, and in 1997 he was named club captain.
A gifted stand-off, Ally also represented Scotland. He started at 10 in the 21-10 win over Fiji in Suva on the 1993 South Seas tour, kicking 11 points with his father Kenny watching from the stands.
That appearance was later recognised with a retrospective cap, number 1191.
His biggest legacy came in what he gave back to the game. Across 36 years as a PE teacher and then Director of Rugby at George Watson’s College, he helped shape the careers of hundreds of players including former Edinburgh and Scotland captain Stuart McInally.
He was just as important at Currie, where he won the inaugural Tennent’s Shield as a player in 1996. As a coach he then guided the club to Premiership titles in 2006/07 and 2009/10.
Along the way he played a key part in the development of former Edinburgh centres Matt Scott and Ben Cairns, as well as current Edinburgh back-row Luke Crosbie. He also coached Scotland age-grade sides and was head coach of the Scotland Club XV.
His influence can still be seen across Edinburgh rugby today, in classrooms, at clubhouses, and in our own dressing room.
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth said:
“We’re honoured to be paying tribute to Ally, a man who has had such a huge impact on rugby in Edinburgh.
“He captained this club and was part of our very first professional team, so he helped lay the foundations for everything we have today. But his greatest legacy is the hundreds of young players he guided and inspired. So many of them have gone on to wear the Edinburgh jersey.
“I’d encourage every supporter to be in their seats early and be part of this moment as we celebrate the life of a true Edinburgh legend.”
