Jim Renwick

Jim Renwick


James Menzies Renwick deserves all the honours that his rugby playing ability has brought him and Hawick Harlequins have every reason to be proud of "one of theirs" who remains a Harlequin at heart.

Jim was born 12th February 1952, a player with precocious talent, he was aged just nineteen when he won his first cap against France in 1972. It was the first of a then-record 52 appearances for Scotland, and scored eleven tries. He spent his first senior season with The Quins before moving to Hawick RFC.

More of an individualist rather than a link man, he had marvellous adhesive hands, and perhaps the quickest wit of any midfield player of his time. Indeed he was often at his most dangerous when on the receiving end of a bad pass, for then his ability to dodge and accelerate abruptly from a standing start enabled him to split many defences. To see him run out of defence, jinking and swerving, the ball unusually high under his arm, was always exhilarating. He was very hard to put down, being powerful in the hips, and quick to slide under the high tackles with a shrug of his shoulders.

Many regard Renwick as one of the best centres ever to play for Scotland and after finishing senior career, the bald headed, moustached jinking wizard returned to Baker Street and played in the 1985-86 side which won the Border Junior League. He also played in the sevens which won the SDU's and Lismore Sports in 1987. Jim's enthusiasm, great vision and outstanding talent were of great benefit to The Harlequins. After finally hanging his boots up, Jim assisted regularly with coaching and his assistance to the coaching staff in the lead up to The Bowl Final at Murrayfield was of particular benefit.