Scott Hastings’ Family Confirms Cause of Death

The former Scotland centre, who won 65 caps for his country, played alongside his brother Gavin Hastings in the iconic Scotland team that captured the 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam under Jim Telfer.

In 2022, Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an illness he said could not be cured.

A statement released on Sunday by his children, Corey and Kerry-Anne, confirmed that Hastings passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday, May 17.

“We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May,” the statement read.

“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday, which speaks louder than words that he is safe with his beloved Jenny.

“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and, due to complications, deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.

“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected.

“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”

Hastings was widely regarded as one of the finest centres ever to wear the Scotland jersey and remained a hugely respected figure within the rugby community long after his retirement from the game.

"Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible.

"I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Scott's role wasn't just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit."

"Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better,

"My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.

"I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning. He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field."

"The man I got to know very well was a man of huge integrity, honesty and empathy,

"His partnership with Jeremy Guscott was seminal to beating Australia in 1989.

"The one thing you always got with Scott - you knew in extremis or when you were on top he would give nothing less than his very best.

"Those of you who did know Scott know what we've lost. Those of you in the wider rugby world who didn't know him - let me just say rugby is much the poorer for his passing, but very much the better for his being."

"Dreadful news about the death of Scott Hastings. Unstoppable force of nature on and off the field; expert transition as columnist and broadcaster. Great man, everything good about Scottish and Lions rugby."

"RIP in Scott Hastings. One of life’s great men."

"His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day's success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey," he said.

"Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.

"His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott."