A retrospective Scottish international rugby cap for Jim

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7th March 2024

With all eyes on the annual Six Nations rugby tournament, a Cheltenham resident has been awarded a retrospective international rugby cap, 47 years after playing for his home nation of Scotland.

Jim Carswell earned his cap playing in a game against Japan in 1976, in an impressive line-up including Sir Ian McGeechan, Andy Irvine and Roy Laidlaw.

Officials from the Scottish Rugby League travelled to Wentworth Court nursing home on Village Road for a special presentation event along with Jim’s family. The cap was presented by Jim’s friend, Richie Dixon who was club captain when they both played for Jordanhill. Richie also played in the national team and latterly became Scotland’s head coach.

Graham Law, head of stakeholder engagement for Scottish Rugby said: “Scottish Rugby embarked on a retrospective caps project, to award 75 additional caps to people who played for Scotland between 1942 and 1998. One of the residents at Wentworth Court, Jim Carswell, played for Scotland against Japan on 25 September 1976 in the second row and be become Scotland Cap number 1173.”

Jim’s son, Andrew said: “It’s fantastic for dad, and it’s fantastic for us as a family. We’ve been waiting a long time for the recognition of what he’s achieved in his life and in his rugby career. We’re just delighted that we could share today with him. It would have been lovely for him to receive the cap in 1976 when he played his game but having it now means that the family can share that moment with him as well.”

Jim’s daughter, Jenny added: “I think today has meant a great deal to dad. He’s a very, very modest and proud man and he would never actually have expected this, but for us it’s really important as part of his legacy.”

The special guests toasted Jim’s achievement with Prosecco and enjoyed rugby-themed cakes created by Wentworth Court’s head chef, Brendon Coles.

Jim, along with fellow rugby enthusiasts from Wentworth Court enjoyed a visit the day before from the Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation with a selection of the memorabilia from the club’s 150-year history as part of a week of rugby-themed activities.

For more information about Wentworth Court, call 01242 263334.

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