Statement: Family confirm the passing of legendary lock Doddie Weir

Saturday, 26 November 2022 at 17:26

byRugby Rucker

Scottish Rugby have confirmed the sad passing of Scotland and Lions legend Doddie Weir following his fight with Motor Neurone Disease.

The former Scotland international, whose charity the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has raised more than £5m for MND research, played with and against some of the best players of all-time.

He is survived by his wife Kathy and sons Hamish, Angus and Ben.

"Doddie was an inspirational force of nature," wrote Kathy.

"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 thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time."

Scottish Rugby

@Scotlandteam

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5:20 PM · Nov 26, 2022

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Just two weeks ago, Weir and his family were on hand to deliver the matchday ball for the Scots' Autumn Nations Series clash against New Zealand.

Weir and his family had carried the match ball the last time the All Blacks came to Murrayfield in 2017, just months after Weir had revealed his diagnosis.

Famously described as being "on the charge like a mad giraffe" by commentator Bill McLaren, he was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 1997 but his tour of South Africa was ended prematurely by injury.

Doddie Weir revealed his five toughest opponents - including his hero

RUCK takes a look at who legendary Doddie Weir has selected as the toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.

The ranking you see is made up of players Doddie Weir singled out for praise in his Autobiography, My Name'5 DODDIE.

#5. Scott Quinnell (Wales)

Major teams British and Irish Lions, Richmond, Wales
Position No. 8
All Tests 55

He was a cross-code star of the 1990’s, representing Wales in both Union and League. His Test debut came against Canada in 1993, but it was against France in 1994, as Wales were on their way to the Five Nations title, that he announced himself with a stunning solo try. He retired in 2005 to focus on coaching Llanelli, before later becoming a well-liked television pundit.

Weir said: "I've known Scotty for a long time, as a rival, as a fellow tourist, as a pundit, and a lot of hospitality functions. He was the complete player."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of legendary Wales flanker Derek Quinnell

#4. Simon Shaw (England)

Major teams Barbarians, British and Irish Lions, Toulon, Wasps, England
Position Lock
All Tests 73

The powerhouse played for Bristol, London Wasps and Toulon. He won 71 caps for England between 1996 and 2011, and two for the British & Irish Lions, with whom he toured 3 times.

Weir said: "I think he is one of the most underrated players in recent history. He had everything."

DID YOU KNOW? Shaw was born 1 September 1973 in Nairobi, Kenya

#3. Richard Hill (England)

Major teams British and Irish Lions, Saracens, England
Position Back-row
All Tests 76

Hill played 288 times for Saracens and 71 times for England making him one of the modern greats of the English game. He also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions between 1997 and 2005.

Weir said: "He was fantastic guy and a terrific player, someone I got to know really well on that trip (1997 Lion). But in terms of bedroom manners, he was abysmal."

DID YOU KNOW? On his mother's side, Hill is a second cousin removed of film director Peter Jackson, who directed The Lord of the Rings

#2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Major teams New Zealand
Position Wing
All Tests 63

The giant All Blacks wing was rugby's first global star. He burst on the scene at the 1995 World Cup with some of the most destructive performances the rugby world had ever seen and with professionalism in its infancy Lomu became rugby's first millionaire.

Weir said: "He took the 1995 World Cup by storm. There were plenty of players who were six foot five and nearly nineteen stone, but none I knew who could run the 100m sprint in 11 seconds."

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored tries against every major test playing nation in World Rugby except South Africa (12 matches) and Wales (3 matches)

#1. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

Major teams Blue Bulls, Bulls, South Africa
Position Scrum-half
All Tests: 89

Regarded as one of the greatest scrum-halves the game has ever seen, Van der Westhuizen was capped a total of 89 times during a 10-year international career and was a key member of the Springboks side that lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Weir said: "From a rival who almost single-handedly ended my career as an international number 8, to a standard-bearer in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, and, eventually, a victim of this cruel disease. He was unstoppable on his day."