Tributes paid to Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir

Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52, the Scottish Rugby Union has announced.

The former Melrose and Border Reivers star - who won 61 caps for his country and toured with the British Lions - was best known in recent years for his work campaigning to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

He went public with his diagnosis in June 2017 and has since gone on to raise millions of pounds for a charity set up in his name.

His family have described their "beloved husband and father" as "an inspirational force of nature".

In a statement, they added: "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 for so many years.

"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 out 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."

READ MORE: Doddie's family 'blown away' by support for Scotland rugby legend

Speaking to us at the family farm near Blainslie in November 2020, Doddie - who spoke about his hope of finding a cure - said: "I've been very lucky because the average life expectancy with MND is two years.

"I got diagnosed in 2016, just before Christmas. And didn't really think I'd still be here in some ways.

"It's a muscle-wasting disease." But he added: "From day one, I've tried to not let it affect me."

Paying tribute to Doddie following his death, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation's sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.

"He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones."

Jill Douglas, chief executive of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and a close friend of Weir's, said: "Doddie enjoyed a full life full of fun and love. And it was this approach to life which shone through in his determination to make a difference and help others when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

"He inspired us every day with his positivity and energy and was fully committed to the work of the foundation he launched with his close friends in November 2017. My Name'5 Doddie Foundation continues to shine a light on MND and the need to seek meaningful treatments and, one day, a cure for this devastating disease.

"The foundation has raised significant funds through the amazing efforts of our incredible supporters and has committed £8 million to MND research over this time. We have also given considerable funds to people living with MND and their families to help them live as fulfilled a life as possible.

"With Doddie's enthusiasm and drive, we have collaborated with other stakeholders within the MND community and firmly established the foundation as a trusted, influential and well supported charity.

"And our vision of a world free of MND remains at the heart of our strategy. As we look to the future, we will honour Doddie's name and deliver on his legacy.

"There is much still to do and with your support, we will continue our work, remaining true to the values and ambition of our founder."

Doddie Weir on the pitch

Doddie kicked off his rugby career with Stewart's Melville FP, before moving to Melrose, where he was part of the team that won six Scottish club championships.

He later joined Newcastle Falcons and was part of the Premiership winning side of 1997–98 before returning to the Borders to join the Reivers in 2002.

He won his first cap for Scotland against Argentina in November 1990, and is the only Scot to have scored two tries against New Zealand, in the quarter final of the 1995 World Cup.

The lineout specialist was also selected as part of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 1997, and was once described by late rugby commentator Bill McLaren as being "on the charge, like a mad giraffe".

'He was a great team mate on the pitch and an even greater team mate off the pitch'

John Jeffrey, Chairman of Scottish Rugby and former teammate of Doddie Weir said: “Doddie was ahead of his time as a ball playing second row and for almost a decade he was one of the first names on the Scotland team sheet. He was a great team mate on the pitch and an even greater team mate off the pitch. 

“In rugby terms Doddie will probably be remembered for two things, the cruel injury in South Africa which prevented him winning a deserved Lions Test cap and Bill McLaren describing him as a mad giraffe (which he loved!). 

"This does not do justice to his rugby playing abilities where he was one of the most sought after signings at the start of the professional era. 

“For all that Doddie achieved as a rugby player, his name is associated worldwide with the battle to find a cure for MND. 

"For the last six years, Doddie and Kathy have dedicated themselves to not only finding a cure for MND but also caring for fellow sufferers. He raised literally millions for his foundation but, more importantly, raised awareness globally as he courageously battled this cruel disease, and always with a smile on his face. 

"Our thoughts are with Kathy and the boys as we remember the great life of Doddie Weir."

Doddie Weir off the pitch

Doddie was a colourful character - known just as much for his tartan suits, as he was his rugby. Before his diagnosis, he was a regular in the commentary box at the Melrose Sevens.

As well as raising funds for research, the My Name'5 Doddie foundation - which incorporate's the likeable lock's former shirt number - also provides grants to people living with the condition.

And, in the 2019 New Year's Honours list, George Wilson Weir, as he was known at birth, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to rugby, MND research and the community in the Scottish Borders.

A real winner

The Doddie Weir Cup was created in 2018 for matches held between Scotland and Wales in honour of the Scotland star.

GALLERY: A look back at Doddie through the years

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• Doddie Weir