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United Kingdom Roger Baird is a former British and Irish Lion and Scotland international rugby player, who has achieved recognition for his distinguished career on the wing.
Roger Baird, along with other former Scotland rugby internationals, joined the founder of The Royal & Awesome golf clothing brand to participate in a charity golf challenge. The event aimed to play 25 rounds of golf in five days to raise money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Roger Baird is a trustee of The Hearts and Balls Charitable Trust, which has provided grants to rugby clubs. He handed over a grant to Kelso RFC president Eric Paxton at Poynder Park.
Roger Baird, a Scottish rugby great, officially opened a 'Life Skills Kitchen' at a Teens Centre. This initiative by Wooden Spoon aims to create an environment conducive to learning through collaboration and laughter, supporting young adults with additional needs.
Roger Baird has been involved in mentoring programs for emerging rugby talent. He previously mentored Glasgow Warriors and Scotland wing Thom Evans as part of initiatives by Scottish Rugby to develop future stars.
Roger Baird attended and spoke at an event celebrating 150 years of Aberdeen University Rugby Football Club, alongside other alumni and rugby personalities.
Gavin Roger Todd Baird, born on April 12, 1960, in Kelso, Scotland, developed his rugby skills early, attending St. Mary’s School, Melrose, and Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh. Known for their strong rugby programs, these institutions prepared him for a significant career in the sport. Baird played scrum-half for the Scottish Schools team and, impressively, earned a Melrose Sevens winner’s medal at the age of 17 while still playing for the full Kelso sevens team. His talent was recognized by Bill McLaren, who highlighted Baird as an exceptional player in the sevens format. He further refined his skills playing for the South of Scotland rugby union team, establishing a scoring record there.
Baird’s international career began in 1979 with Scotland ‘B’, earning his first ‘B’ cap against Ireland ‘B’. His full senior debut for Scotland came in 1981, during a 24-15 victory over Australia at Murrayfield Stadium, where he replaced Bruce Hay. He went on to earn 27 caps for Scotland between 1981 and 1988, consistently playing on the wing. A notable aspect of his career was being an ever-present figure during the 1983 British Lions tour to New Zealand, participating in all four Test matches and scoring six tries across 11 appearances. This included one Test try against New Zealand, contributing to his unique distinction of scoring for the Lions but not for his national side in 27 caps. He was also a member of the Scotland team that secured the 1984 Grand Slam and achieved historic away victories in Wales and Australia.
Following his playing career, Baird transitioned into coaching roles, serving as a team manager for Scotland U21s and as an assistant coach to Gary Callander at Watsonians. Beyond rugby, he has pursued a business career as a grain merchant. He has also been involved in charitable initiatives, including a challenge to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and opening a life skills kitchen for Wooden Spoon, demonstrating his continued engagement with the community and sport.
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