David Michael Barclay Sole (born 8 May 1962) is a former Scotland international rugby union player.
He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1993 New Year Honours.
Rugby Union career
Amateur career
He was educated at Blairmore prep school and Glenalmond College, a private school in Perthshire.
He went to Exeter University and played for their rugby side.
He played for Bath and then moved to play for Edinburgh Academicals.
Provincial career
He played for Scottish Exiles (then Anglo-Scots) in the Scottish Inter-District Championship.
When he moved to play for Edinburgh Academicals, he then turned out for Edinburgh District.
International career
While still with Exeter University rugby club he was capped by Scotland 'B'. He received 5 'B' caps in total.
He made his full senior Scotland debut in 1986 against France and went on to win 44 caps at prop between 1986 and 1992, with a record 25 as captain. He was also the first choice loosehead prop with the victorious British Lions in Australia in 1989.
In 1990, Sole was captain for a Grand Slam decider at Murrayfield against hot favourites England.
Media career
Since retiring Sole has worked as a co-commentator for BBC Scotland's coverage of rugby union matches.
Business career
He has also embarked on a successful career outside of sport, becoming Managing Partner of "School for CEOs'" in 2017 as well as Non-executive director of AM Bid Services.
Family
Three of Sole's four children have also represented their country in international sport. His sons Chris and Tom both play for the Scotland cricket team, while his daughter Gemma plays for the Scotland netball team. His other son Jamie is also a rugby player, and played professionally with Newcastle Falcons.
References
;Sources
- Canny Hadden will have spotted chinks in England's armour, Telegraph, 25 February 2006
- Sole backs Scots to shock England, The Scotsman, 15 February 2006
- Reasons to be cheerful despite defeat in Cardiff, Telegraph, 14 February 2006
- Scanty evidence for Williams' bold boast - Telegraph, 21 March 2005
External links
- David Sole in The Scotsman newspaper
- David Sole, Executive Coaching Consultant
- All Time World XV
- David Sole at Rugby Heroes Part 1
- David Sole at Rugby Heroes Part 2
- David Sole at Rugby Heroes Part 1 (International Caps)
- David Sole at Rugby Heroes Part 2 (International Caps)