Everyone at Mansfield Park, were deeply saddened yesterday, to hear of the passing of Hawick legend Norman Suddon.
Norman was capped 13 times for his country, debuting at the age of 21 against Wales at Murrayfield in February 1965, going on to play a further 3 times that season, against Ireland, England and finally South Africa, when he played his part in a famous victory over the Boks 8-5. It was written that the Scottish pack that day, drew great praise for the way they faced up to the mighty South African pack, setting the foundation for a famous victory.
Norman was next capped in December 1966, once again against Southern Hemisphere opposition, when Scotland defeated Australia 11-5.
Norman would again catch the selectors eye in 1968, when he was chosen to play at Murrayfield against both England, (narrowing being defeated 6-8) and the Wallabies when Scotland once again defeated the touring side 9-3, a game in which his young Hawick team mate Colin Telfer won his first cap at stand off.
Further caps followed in 1969 against France, (when Norman was part of a famous victory for the Scot’s at the Stade Colombe, 3-6), Wales and Ireland, and in 1970, against Ireland, England and Australia. The latter being his final cap, and one where the Wallabies finally managed to get the better of Norman, (and his Scotland team mates) after three attempts!
Norman also came so close to reaching the pinnacle of his rugby career, when he was asked to attended the British lions training camp at Eastbourne, prior to the 68 tour to South Africa, as a training reserve, (to cover any potential front row injuries). However sadly it wasn’t to be, and instead of boarding the plane with the tour party, Norman had to make his way back to Hawick.
He was also honoured in 1971 to be selected to play in the England/Wales vs Scotland/Ireland match to celebrate the centenary of the English Rugby Union, a game which ended in a 14-14 draw.
Norman was selected to play for the Barbarians on no less than 16 occasions, including a 4 match tour of South Africa & Rhodesia in 1969. He also captained the Baa-Baa’s against Swansea on the Easter tour in that same year, gaining much respect and admiration from his teammates for the way he galvanised the squad and led from the front.
Norman played for the South of Scotland over many years with great distinction, gaining his first South cap in season 63-64 when together with 8 other Hawick players, (5 more in a tremendous pack), the South ran Wilson Whineray’s mighty All Blacks so close at Mansfield Park, losing by only 8-0 (to a try and a drop goal).
He also captained the South to a famous victory at Mansfield Park against Australia 13-0 in 1966, one month before his recall to the Scottish team which took on and defeated the tourists as previously mentioned.
However, it will be forever in the Green jersey of his beloved Hawick that we will remember Norman most fondly. Such was his versatility that he played his early seasons for the ‘Greens’ at lock forward, packing down in one of the great Hawick packs, behind his dear friend and mentor Hugh McLeod, before moving into the front row in his preferred position of loose-head prop, from where he would gain his numerous honours.
Norman captained Hawick in seasons 66/67, 70/71 and again in 73/74, leading Hawick to the Division 1 title in that first season of SRU structured league rugby in Scotland.
Hawick would indeed go on to win the Division 1 title on 10 occasions in the first 14 seasons of league rugby.
‘Dan’ as he was most affectionately known was also a terrific exponent of the shortened game, being an integral part of the famous Greens squad who won an unprecedented ‘10 titles in a row’ on the Borders circuit during 1966 & 1967.
After a tremendous 279 games for Hawick, Norman decided to hang up his boots, however we are forever grateful that he felt he wanted to ‘give something back’, to the game that had given him so much. He did this firstly by cutting his teeth as an inspirational and canny coach, (with the semi junior side Hawick PSA), and ultimately serving for many invaluable years, as a highly regarded Greens selector and committee man, watching over and nurturing young talent at Mansfield Park. He was awarded an honorary life membership of Hawick RFC for services rendered to the club both on and off the field.
To have played his part in the great Hawick’s sides in both the 60’s and 70’s was no coincidence, and Norman will always be regarding as one of Hawick’s true greats.
A quiet and unassuming family man, who never craved the limelight, but earned the utmost respect from all who met him.
Norman took great delight in watching his son Keith, and son in law Gregor Sharp, playing for the Greens, together with grandson Daniel, who is currently plying his trade with the Southern Knights.
Hawick RFC and everyone associated with the club, would like to pass on our thoughts and sincere condolences to Norman’s wife Christine, son Keith and daughter Tracey, together with all their family on this very sad occasion.
Rest in peace Robbie Dye.
