Doddie Weir dies at 52 after Scottish rugby legend’s battle with MND

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The world of rugby is in mourning today following news that former Scotland and British & Irish Lions second row Doddie Weir has passed away at the age 52.

Weir has been battling Motor Neurone Disease since 2016 and has led campaigns into research for a cure for the disease ever since alongside the likes of fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby.

His wife Kathy described him as a "true family man" and said it was "difficult to put into words how much we will miss him". She said in a statement, released by Scotland Rugby: "Doddie was an inspirational force of nature.

"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 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."

Weir made an appearance, alongside with his family, on the pitch at Murrayfield before Scotland’s defeat to New Zealand earlier this month, with Scotland's players wearing jerseys with blue and yellow tartan that day, to mark five years since the forming of Weir's foundation, My Name’5 Doddie.

Weir, whose real name is George, won 61 caps for Scotland.

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