PEEBLES rugby legend Steve Ferguson is to finally receive a Scotland cap – 30 years after representing his country.

Scottish Rugby announced this week that more than 50 players who took part in matches that, at the time, did not carry Test cap status are to be honoured retrospectively.

‘Fergie’ – who represented Peebles throughout his career – played during the 1993 tour of the South Pacific in games against Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

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He said: “There have been rumblings about this for a few years but I just found out on Monday night.

“I always knew that I had played for my country and sung the national anthem, but it’s good to have this recognised physically with a cap. It’s hard to believe that it was 30 years ago.

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“The Lions were touring Australia and because a number of players were unavailable for the Scotland team it was designated as a development tour.

“My fellow tighthead prop Paul Burrows was selected for the Lions and I was picked for the tour. I played in all three Tests against Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and another two games. So I have represented Scotland five times.

“But I’m really pleased and proud to be awarded a cap which I believe will be presented at Murrayfield during either the England or France games.  I’m looking forward to it, it’ll be a good day.”

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The decision, made by the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board, was announced by president Colin Rigby.

He said: “Those individuals who wore the thistle with pride and distinction will now join the fabled ranks of the 1,140 other men to have been capped by Scotland since 1871.

“Given this year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the union, we wanted to look afresh at our history and recognise the rich and enduring contribution those players have made to our game.

“Awarding a cap retrospectively may seem purely symbolic or belated by some people, but I know from conversations with some of those players and their families what this decision will mean to them and that granting cap status will be cherished.

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“Thereafter, we will look to award caps during our home matches in next year’s Six Nations Championship.”

Peebles Rugby Club president Allan Beveridge said: “This is great news and well deserved news, and an honour for Peebles, Peebles Rugby Club and, of course, for Fergie himself and his family.

“He was a great player, coach and ambassador for our club for many years and we offer him our congratulations. This is recognition for him at long last.

“We will be looking forward to having his framed photo with, if possible, him wearing his belated ‘cap’ in a prime position on the club house walls. Well deserved.”

Scotland beat Fiji 21-10 and Tonga 23-5 before losing 28-11 to Samoa.