Bob Burnett

Early life and career Robert Burnet was born on 18 February 1860 in Hawick, Scotland to William Burnet and Joan (née Smith). His father was a successful Boot and Shoemaker, employing a number of men at his firm in Hawick. Robert had a number of siblings including an older sister, Jane, and older brother James and two younger brothers, William. and John.

Domestic career Bob Burnet played for six seasons for Hawick RFC up to 1888. He was captain of the club in the 1887 season and was also selected to play for his county side, Roxburgh. He was described as "a good sterling forward and a very hard worker in the mauls, and can always be relied upon turning out in good condition"

British Isles The 1888 tour was organized by two cricket professionals, Arthur Shrewsbury and Alfred Shaw, and they selected Bob along with his brother Willie, making the siblings the first set to tour together for the Lions. Burnet was described as being vital to the Lions success as he played in 30 of the 35 matches, scoring one try against Queensland. Despite being a forward, his versatility was such that he also scored a conversion against Adelaide.