Scottish sporting legend Sir Chris Hoy will play a prominent role at Murrayfield this Sunday, performing two ceremonial duties ahead of Scotland’s crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist and 11-time world champion will deliver the match ball before kick-off and drive the Lead Legends car, leading Gregor Townsend’s team as they arrive at the stadium. The match ball itself is being transported from Dublin by former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Hoy’s ongoing battle with cancer
Hoy’s involvement at Murrayfield comes as he continues his fight against terminal prostate cancer, a diagnosis he revealed last year. Despite the challenges, the 47-year-old has remained active, using his platform to promote awareness and encourage others to continue living life to the fullest.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Hoy shared an inspiring message:
“It’s about showing that you can live well, enjoy life, and still push yourself. A stage 4 diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to stop.”
Since going public, Hoy has spearheaded numerous initiatives to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, with his Tour de 4 Ride campaign among the latest efforts.
A national icon leading the way
Hoy, widely regarded as Britain’s greatest-ever track cyclist, etched his name in history at Beijing 2008, becoming the first Brit in 100 years to win three golds at a single Olympics. He remains tied with Jason Kenny as Britain’s most successful Olympian.
Now, he continues to inspire, both in his battle off the track and his unwavering support for Scottish sport. As Scotland look to build on their narrow victory over Italy, they will have one of the country’s most revered athletes leading the charge before kick-off.
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Six players who flopped in the Six Nations today – “Miles off it”
Six Nations Saturday saw plenty of drama, but not every player rose to the occasion. While Italy stunned Wales and England edged past France, these six players had performances they’d rather forget.
#1. Antoine Dupont (France)
Rugby Pass 5/10: “By Antoine Dupont’s insuperable standards, this was not vintage. Controlled the game with both feet and mixed his kicking to keep Marcus Smith guessing. But he had a few sloppy passes in him, including a hospital pass to Alexandre Roumat. Looked to be in for a certain try soon after, but spilt a pass with the try line beckoning. Had the ball ripped from his clutches by Tom Curry just metres from England’s line early in the second 40. Not too bad by a normal player’s standards, but for Dupont, this was quite error-strewn. There were, of course, still moments of pure genius.”
Mail Online 6/10: “He’s human after all. Not immune to French tension and far from imperious best but arcing run set up one try and long passes helped create two others.”
#2. Josh Adams (Wales)
RUCK 3/10: “After hitting a milestone last timeout against France, Adams probably was looking for a much better performance than last week in Paris. He did have two opportunities from kicks in behind but, again, didn’t see much of the ball. The 29-year-old was also awarded a yellow card on 58 minutes for making contact with Paolo Garbisi’s head, perhaps he can count himself lucky that it wasn’t a red.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Looked pretty threatening throughout, but just blew two huge opportunities that could have swung the game back to Wales, and you think he would have nabbed these a few years ago. Lucky to escape a red card too for his challenge on Paolo Garbisi.”
Wales Online 4/10: “Butchered two try-scoring opportunity by spilling the ball forward with the line at his mercy, albeit in difficult conditions. Received a yellow card for a cynical high shot on Paolo Garbisi.”
