ERL PAYS TRIBUTE TO KEITH HOGG

20 Jun 2023

European Rugby League is greatly saddened to learn of the death of former Scotland Rugby League chairman Keith Hogg, who passed away at the weekend after illness.

Hogg, 66, was SRL chairman from 2009 until 2021 when he stepped down due to health issues, and during that period dedicated an enormous amount of time and significant personal resource to constantly push and promote the sport in the country.

“On behalf of everyone involved with European Rugby League, I would like to send our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family, he was a massive supporter, friend, confidante and stalwart for the nation,” said ERL general manager, David Butler.

“One of his many qualities was to maintain close personal relationships with everyone involved in the game in Scotland; players, coaches, officials and volunteers alike, celebrate successes and gave praise when it was due. 

“Despite holding the office of chairman, it was not unusual to find Keith washing kit, filling water bottles and taking hands-on organisational roles for Scotland’s various national teams, which involved travelling all over the world to support the Bravehearts, including to Australia with their student and men’s sides for the 2017 World Cup, and the 9s team in the 2018 Commonwealth Championships.”

Butler added: “Family was very high in Keith’s priorities, with his wife Victoria and sister Debbie both involved in the running of the organisation, and he was very proud of his youngest son Matt who represented Scotland at U19s, student, 9s and senior level gaining three senior caps. 

“I have known Keith for over a decade and had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions, during which time we built up a genuine and lasting friendship. Keith was an enormous support to me both when I was applying for and came into post with European Rugby League and a person I often went to for advice and to seek opinion from. He was always generous with his time, and I have missed him very much since he was taken ill.”

Keith is survived by his wife Victoria, their sons Alasdair, Ben and Matt, his sister Debbie and his brother Ian.