Renowned Tarbolton native, John McLauchlan OBE, born on 14 April 1942, is better known by his moniker Ian McLauchlan, and is a distinguished former Scotland international rugby union player. Famously dubbed “Mighty Mouse,” he left an indelible mark on the field as a formidable loosehead prop, representing Scotland from 1969 to 1979.
Earning a remarkable 43 caps for Scotland, Ian McLauchlan held the esteemed role of national side captain on nineteen occasions, with a noteworthy ten victories under his leadership. His path to international recognition was marked by patience, as he secured his first cap in his late twenties and continued to excel for another decade before his final appearance in 1979.
McLauchlan’s leadership prowess saw him rise to captaincy for Scotland, an achievement that even extended to the esteemed Calcutta Cup match of 1973. Despite sustaining a leg injury just two weeks prior in a clash against Ireland, his persuasive charisma swayed the selectors in his favor, a testament to his unwavering determination.
In the words of Richard Bath, McLauchlan’s stature may not have fit the traditional mold of a loosehead prop during the 1970s, but it was precisely his extraordinary power-to-weight ratio and adeptness at outmaneuvering opposing tight-heads that rendered him a potent force in close quarters. His larger-than-life persona thrived amidst challenging circumstances, marking him as one of Scotland’s most triumphant captains. A unique honor and a touch of irony followed his retirement as the Scottish Rugby Union prohibited him from publishing his autobiography in gratitude for his contributions.
During the 1971 Lions tour of New Zealand, McLauchlan’s skill was evident as he played in all four tests, filling in for Irish prop Ray McLaughlin who had suffered a thumb injury following an altercation with Alex Wyllie in the notorious Battle of Canterbury. Notably, McLauchlan featured in eight tests for the British Lions on the 1971 tour to New Zealand and the 1974 tour to South Africa, never tasting defeat in those encounters.
Beyond his illustrious playing career, McLauchlan transitioned to become the 122nd President of the Scottish Rugby Union. Serving with distinction from 2010 to 2012, his legacy extended beyond the field.
Major teams that McLauchlan graced include Jordanhill, Glasgow, and Natal, with his impact spanning across international rugby. His test tenure from 1969 to 1979 saw him secure 43 caps, all as a starter, while his Lions caps amounted to an impressive 8, each time occupying the starting position. Amidst these remarkable feats, he also contributed 3 test points through a well-earned try.
In essence, Ian McLauchlan’s journey through rugby history stands as a testament to both his unparalleled prowess on the field and his enduring influence within the realm of Scottish rugby.
A guide track for ‘Ian ‘Mighty Mouse’ McLauchlan’ is available below for listening: -
You can download a PDF of the sheet music here
- or braille format here.
The track is additionally available within the following collections and sets: -
Associated Collections: -
4/4
Ayrshire Characters
Reel
The Tarbolton Collection
