Jim Taylor MBE | Glasgow Warriors Tribute

• 8 Dec 2022

It’s with great sadness that Glasgow Warriors has learned of the death of friend and colleague, Jim Taylor MBE, who passed away overnight at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, he was 67.

Jim, worked with the club for more than 12 years building up its Business Club portfolio. He also played a key role in introducing international players to the city, when they first arrived at Scotstoun. If you ask anyone around the club about Jim, inevitably their faces will light up and they’ll share their story of how Jim had helped them.

Beyond Glasgow Warriors, in 2015, Jim was awarded an MBE for his services to charity and sport in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, including for his work with the Hearts & Balls rugby charity, both in fundraising and supporting rugby players who had suffered serious injuries playing the game.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandra.

You can read more about Jim’s Glasgow Warriors story here:

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director Al Kellock said: “The news of Jim Taylor’s passing is terribly sad and will impact so many at Glasgow Warriors and our wider community. He gave so much to this club both as a member of our team and as someone invested in rugby in the city. We have lost a close friend today.

“Before leaving the club earlier in 2022, Jim hadn’t been able to return to the office due to shielding when COVID restrictions lifted. However, we welcomed him back to Scotstoun in October to spend time with the players and staff who had worked closely with him. He also delivered the match ball that day for our game against the Vodacom Bulls.

“He was in great spirits that day and having the chance to share stories and hear from players he had gone as far as providing a bed for when they first arrived in the city, from places like Canada and Argentina, underlined just how much he’d given to the club.

“Jim’s wife Sandra was as much part of this club as he was, and our thoughts are with her at this difficult time. On a personal level I will miss Jim’s friendship.”

Scotland, and former Glasgow Warriors, Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “I remember Jim welcoming me to the club when I first joined and going to his and Sandra’s house for a meal – that’s what he did for everyone that was new to the club.

“For a lot of people – including supporters, players, and sponsors – Jim represented Glasgow Warriors because he always wanted the best for the team.

“He would always give me a lift on a Monday morning after a loss, through his enthusiasm and his support. Also, Sandra would bring me in Mars Bar cake after a win, which then grew to her bringing it in for the other coaches and off-field staff. These were lovely touches that they as a couple brought to the club.

“He cared so much for the club, and it was brilliant to see the reaction that he got from everyone when he delivered the match ball, with the players and staff forming a guard of honour and the cheer from the crowd. After the game I had the chance to catch up with him and had looked forward to that conversation for a long time.”

Adam Ashe, who stepped into Jim’s role as Business Club Manager at Glasgow, and who Jim mentored since 2014 said: “Jim had unbelievable relationships with players in the club, he was always really welcoming, and he’d do anything for you. When you first arrived, he’d take you out for dinner and introduce you to the city – that has helped to define the culture of the club to this day.

“Jim phoned me delighted I got this new role. He said he wouldn’t have wanted it to go to anyone else, which meant a lot, and just two weeks ago he phoned me to ask how I was getting on and if there was any help or guidance I needed. His kindness was unbelievable.”