Billy Hunter (rugby union)

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Billy Hunter (born William John Ferguson Hunter; 5 June 1934 – 20 September 2016) was a Scottish rugby union player who played as a lock. Born in Hawick, Scotland, he played football in his youth and later joined Hawick Linden and Hawick, where he eventually captained the club.

He represented regional teams, including the Scottish Border XV and South of Scotland District, and played for the Whites Trial side in 1962-63 as part of the selection process for the international team. Hunter earned seven caps for Scotland between 1964 and 1967, and was part of the Scotland side that drew 0-0 with New Zealand. He also played for the Barbarians.

Outside rugby, Hunter worked at the local skinworks, then managed a slaughterhouse, and later ran his own dog-kennel business. He took up golf and had a single-figure handicap, often playing with Bill McLaren. He bred canaries to a national standard and won Scottish titles. He was involved in Hawick Common Riding, and in 2013 was proud to see his son Stuart serve as acting father to the Cornet Ritson. Hunter remained a regular supporter of Hawick Rugby Club.