John McCrow

John McCrow (11 May 1899 – 25 February 1950) was a Scotland international rugby union player.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

McCrow was educated first at George Watson's College then Edinburgh Academy. He was also known as Jack.

He played rugby union for Edinburgh Academicals.

The book The Accies: the cradle of Scottish rugby relates this on McCrow: Jack McCrow was badly wounded during the War and it says much for his courage that he had a distinguished career as a footballer. On one occasion after his playing days were over he was presuaded to play in an 'Old Crocks' Seven. Always a neat and clever player, Jack was still able to produce a side step and with this he found this way right through the defence. There was no-one near him and a clear passage to the line, 30 yards away. But this prospect was too much for his weary legs, so he stopped dead on the 25 yard line – and dropped a goal.

Provincial career

He played for Edinburgh District in the 1920 inter-city match. He scored a try in a 11–6 victory for Edinburgh over Glasgow.

International career

He received one cap for Scotland, in 1921.

Military career

McCrow joined the Black Watch during the First World War. His brother George Wood McCrow became a captain in the 14th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Both were injured during the conflict; and later both went into the paper manufacture industry alongside their father.

Business career

He was a paper manufacturer based in Edinburgh. He was Director and Secretary of the Woodhall Paper Company Ltd; and a partner of Thomas McCrow and Sons, an importer of esparto and woodpulp.

Political career

He was a Councillor for West Leith on Edinburgh Town Council from 1947 to his death in 1950. (1897–1983) in 1923 in Leith.

Death

He was found slumped at the wheel of his car in Dalry Road in Edinburgh by the police. Taken to Edinburgh's Royal Infimary he died shortly afterwards. McCrow was travelling home when he had a collision with a cyclist. Attempting to manoeuvre instead, his car mounted the pavement and crashed into a wall. The cyclist was also taken to the hospital.