Statement: Family confirm the passing of legendary lock Doddie Weir - Ruck

Statement: Family confirm the passing of legendary lock Doddie Weir

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.”

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

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