Scotland Rugby League is saddened to learn of the death of former Chairman, Keith Hogg, aged 66. All our thoughts are with his wife Victoria, their sons Alasdair, Ben and Matt, his sister Debbie, brother Ian and the rest of his family.

Keith was the chair of Scotland Rugby League from 2009 until 2021, when he stepped down due to health issues. He was a devoted and loyal member of the organisation. He went above and beyond to provide not only a wealth of experience, but also his own time and money to help push rugby league in Scotland forward and to build a culture and environment centred around the Rugby League family.

He had a way of being able to lead the organisation through happy and challenging times, whilst maintaining a close personal connection to everyone within the organisation. Keith fiercely celebrated the success of the players on the field and encouraged them to find their own successes off the field just as strongly.

Everyone within Scotland Rugby League felt the warmth that the Hogg family brought. Following Keith stepping down as Chair, his wife Victoria took up the mantel to ensure that there was consistency within the organisation. His sister Debbie also took up the post of Finance Director.

The proudest moments for Keith were seeing his family happy and celebrating their accomplishments. Many of the Scotland Rugby League community have seen him beam with pride every time his youngest son, Matt, stepped onto the pitch representing the Thistle. Matt picked up caps at Under 19, Students, 9s and 3 caps for the Scotland Men’s team.

In 2009, Keith was approached to become the chair of Scotland Rugby League. He had been working with the London Broncos at the time and he jumped at the opportunity to help better the sport he loved in Scotland. Keith developed relationships both within and outside Rugby League, developing strategies for growth, securing sponsorships, and much more. He was always willing to muck in on any occasion: arranging player logistics, payments, transport, and even washing kit! He would never ask someone to do a job he wasn’t willing to do himself. That is a measure of the man he was.

Keith attended all of the matches at the 2013 World Cup, continuing to be a brilliant ambassador for the sport in Scotland. He travelled back and forth, juggling attending games with attending his son’s (Scotland International Matt Hogg) school rugby matches. Keith and his wife Victoria were an integral part in the everyday running of Scotland Rugby League, going above and beyond the call of duty to establish a financially stable basis for SRL to build from.

Keith made it his business to attend as many games as he could, supporting the teams at every level. He regularly attended the Student 4 Nations tournament and supported the U19’s at the Commonwealth U19’s Nines tournament in 2014, acting as Team manager on this occasion.

Keith was always a willing and wonderful advocate for Scotland Rugby League. He attended the European Rugby League and International Rugby league congresses to make sure Scotland was a part of the global organisation. He made trips to Australia (2016 and 2019), New Zealand (2017), France on a few occasions, and Hungary (2018) to speak to and learn from Rugby League organisations as an ambassador for the SRL.

Keith was heavily involved in the organisation of the 4 Nations Tournament in 2016, attending all games and supporting the team all the way. He made sure his players and the guests were looked after. A particular highlight was the team photo outside of Edinburgh Castle!

Keith and his family attended both the Student and Men’s World Cup matches in New Zealand and Australia in 2017. Throughout the tournaments, Keith’s stability and support shown to the teams and the Scotland management was greatly valued by all.

Keith in Avignon in 2015

In 2018, Keith attended the U23 Commonwealth 9’s Tournament in Brisbane, Australia, where his son Matt played and captained the team to win the shield. Matt made his full debut for the Men’s team against France in a World Cup qualifying fixture in Carcassonne. This was a very proud moment for Keith and Victoria.

In 2019, Keith travelled to Ireland, England, and Australia, attending matches at every level from U16 to the Senior Men’s Team. This hectic schedule continued in 2020 when he was preparing for the World Cup before the pandemic brought everything to a halt.

Keith did all of this work for Scotland Rugby League while working full time for his own company, coaching the U18 North Berwick High School Rugby Union team, and holding the position of Head of Rugby at North Berwick RFC. He did all that he did for SRL because of his love for the team and love for the sport.

His dedication and work ethic was second to none. Everything he and his family have done for SRL is deeply appreciated.

Former Operations Director Ollie Cruickshank, who served during Keith’s tenure said:

Keith was an integral part in rebuilding Scotland Rugby League and his passion and enthusiasm for the sport was second to none. This passion was infectious and rubbed off on everyone who had the pleasure to meet and work alongside Keith.

Everyone at Scotland Rugby League is saddened to learn of his death and our thoughts are with Victoria and the family during this time.

Keith’s legacy will forever live on in the Scotland Rugby League motto.

Honest. Ruthless. Family.

Keith’s funeral service will take place on Monday July 10th at 11am at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh.
All welcome.