'Good sense, wisdom, leadership': Vale Keith Hogg

International Rugby League secretary general Danny Kazandjian has paid tribute to long serving former Scotland Rugby League chair Keith Hogg following his passing, aged 66.

Hogg served as chair from 2009 until 2021, when he was forced to step down due to ongoing health issues, and along with wife Victoria and other family members he was instrumental in the development of the game in Scotland.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of Keith’s passing,” Kazandjian said. “Keith became Scotland Rugby League chair just before I became European Rugby League general manager and we built a really close relationship until after he contracted his cruel illness.

“I remember him describing how it was affecting him and I think he had a realisation that his condition would continually worsen.

“His was one of those voices that was universally listened to by colleagues in the international game, as he was known for his good sense, wisdom and leadership.

“We used to coordinate diaries to ensure we could meet every Christmas for breakfast and it was always a pleasure being in his company.

“On behalf of the international rugby league fraternity, I express my deepest sympathies to the Hogg family, and to the wider Scotland rugby league community.”

Keith Hogg with son Matt and wife Victoria (Scotland RL)

Hogg was always a willing and wonderful advocate for Scotland Rugby League and he dedicated an enormous amount of time and significant personal resource to constantly push and promote the sport in the country.

He attended the European Rugby League and International Rugby league congresses to make sure Scotland was a part of the global organisation.

He made trips to Australia (2016 and 2019), New Zealand (2017), France on a few occasions, and Hungary (2018) to speak to and learn from Rugby League organisations as an ambassador for the SRL.

Hogg was heavily involved in the organisation of the 4 Nations Tournament in 2016, attending all games and supporting the team all the way. 

“On behalf of everyone involved with European Rugby League, I would like to send our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family, he was a massive supporter, friend, confidante and stalwart for the nation,” said ERL general manager, David Butler.

“One of his many qualities was to maintain close personal relationships with everyone involved in the game in Scotland; players, coaches, officials and volunteers alike, celebrate successes and gave praise when it was due.

“Despite holding the office of chairman, it was not unusual to find Keith washing kit, filling water bottles and taking hands-on organisational roles for Scotland’s various national teams, which involved travelling all over the world to support the Bravehearts, including to Australia with their student and men’s sides for the 2017 World Cup, and the 9s team in the 2018 Commonwealth Championships.

“Family was very high in Keith’s priorities, with his wife Victoria and sister Debbie both involved in the running of the organisation, and he was very proud of his youngest son Matt who represented Scotland at U19s, student, 9s and senior level gaining three senior caps." 

Keith Hogg Obituary

Ollie Cruickshank, who served at SRL operations director during Hogg’s tenure said: "Keith was an integral part in rebuilding Scotland Rugby League and his passion and enthusiasm for the sport was second to none.

"This passion was infectious and rubbed off on everyone who had the pleasure to meet and work alongside Keith.

“Everyone at Scotland Rugby League is saddened to learn of his death and our thoughts are with Victoria and the family during this time.”

Hogg is survived by his wife Victoria, their sons Alasdair, Ben and Matt, his sister Debbie and his brother Ian.