Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir dies following motor neurone disease battle

Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease.

Edinburgh-born Weir won 61 caps for Scotland’s national team between 1990 and 2000, making his debut against Argentina in November 1990.

The second row also represented the British and Irish Lions in 1997, with his club career taking him to Newcastle Falcons where he made 97 appearances and Border Reivers in Scotland.

After his diagnosis in 2016, 11 years after his retirement from rugby, he went onto raise millions through his foundation and was awarded an OBE in 2019.

‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie,’ his wife Kathy wrote in a statement released through Scottish Rugby.

‘Doddie was an inspirational force of nature.

‘His unending energy and drive, and his strength of character powered him through his rugby and business careers and, we believe, enabled him to fight the effects of MND (Motor Neurone Disease) for so many years.

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‘Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together; he was a true family man.

‘Whether working together on the farm, on holiday, or celebrating occasions with wider family and friends, Doddie was always in the thick of it.

‘We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish all those memories: his love and warmth, his support and advice, his quick wit, and his terrible jokes. It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him.

‘MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.

‘Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thanks everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.’

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