Scotland attack coach Gregor Townsend pays tribute to Chris Paterson

I first met Chris when he was 12 years old, when some of the sixth years at Gala Academy were helping to coach the first years. I had kept a close eye on him because I knew about him from his older brother, David, who was my halfback partner in the 1st xv and, of course, because he was a stand-off. I remember him standing out from the group, partly because you could quickly tell he was a skilful rugby player, but mainly because he was so small. Over the subsequent years there was a lot of talk in Borders rugby circles about a gifted stand-off and what a pity it was that he wouldn’t be big enough to play at the highest level of the game. They obviously hadn’t accounted for Chris’ inner drive and durability that led him to become one of the greats of Scottish rugby.

L-R: Mike Blair, Chris Paterson and Gregor Townsend hang out at the RWC 2003

When I think of Chris, the words professionalism, competitor and humility are closely linked to how he has conducted himself over his illustrious career. I’d also add inspirational – as I can only imagine the many thousands of kids that have taken up the game in Scotland thanks to his exploits on the field and his exemplary demeanour off the field. The way he has dedicated himself to self-improvement has also inspired many of his teammates to raise their standards and ask themselves if they have done enough to reach their potential. He has always been one of the first out on the field at training full of positivity and enthusiasm, and definitely the last to leave the training field. This dedication in conjunction with a wonderful ability to focus his mind on the process transformed his goal-kicking. It is apt that two of the best goal-kickers in world rugby (the other being Jonny Wilkinson) have announced their retirements from international rugby so close together.

I have three great memories of Chris from having watched, played alongside and coached him over the years. The first comes from an unlikely setting – Jenny Moores Road in St Boswells. Just weeks before the World Cup in 1999, Jim Telfer took a Scotland selection. It was good to see Chris involved and also great to see he had grown a few inches since leaving school! When watching a young player with potential there are one or two clues you look out for to see if they could be a future Test player. For me it’s either a composure or confidence to operate at a higher level than they are normally accustomed to – this is a sign that they relish the step-up in pace and pressure. The other clue is if they have a skill set that allows them to make an impact at this elevated standard. Chris had both that night, fitting in comfortably with those around him and showing great pace and evasion skills.

Fast forward four years to the 2003 World Cup and I was playing outside Chris in the quarter-final at Suncorp Stadium against Australia. Chris, who had been knocked out in our warm-up, looked classy and confident in only his second Test match at stand-off, knocking over a fantastic drop-goal from the halfway line.

This year’s Six Nations match against the Auld Enemy is also a memorable moment – with Chris’ try-saving tackle against Ben Foden at Twickenham capping off an excellent personal season. He’ll be disappointed that we didn’t win in his last game for Scotland, but to be involved in an England-Scotland match in New Zealand was a unique occasion and one that Chris and his teammates put in tremendous efforts to win. Such is the nature of sport that games can be won and lost over very fine margins.

He set the benchmark in terms of what it means to be a professional rugby player and has been rewarded for his efforts with becoming our most-capped player, the best goal-kicker in the world and a respect from everyone in the game. Knowing Chris, he isn’t going to pause in order to look back at these achievements while he still continues to play and seek to improve, but when he does eventually hang up his boots altogether he can mighty proud of the legacy he has left for Scottish rugby.