Doddie Weir, a legend in Scottish rugby, has passed away at the age of 52.
Along with fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, Weir has been battling Motor Neurone Disease since 2017 and has led efforts to fund research into a cure ever since.
In a statement, his wife Kathy said that he had passed away, calling him an “inspirational force of nature.”
He joined Border Reivers in his native Scotland after seven years with Newcastle Falcons, where he began his professional career.
Weir showed up on the pitch before Scotland’s loss to New Zealand recently with players sporting blue and yellow plaid
Scottish Rugby affirmed his shocking demise via online entertainment through a proclamation from spouse Kathy, who has three children – Hamish, Angus and Ben.
Doddie was a force of nature who inspired others.We believe that he was able to fight the effects of MND (Motor Neurone Disease) for so many years thanks to his unending energy and drive, as well as his character strength, which carried him through his rugby and business careers.
on vacation, or celebrating special occasions with extended family and friends.
Doddie was robbed of a lot by MND, but never of his spirit or drive.He bravely fought MND, and even though his own battle is over, he will continue to fight through his foundation until this terrible disease is cured.
A week after completing an ultramarathon challenge, rugby legend Kevin Sinfield raised over £1.8 million for MND research.
Since meeting in 2020, Weir, Burrow, a former rugby league star, and Darby, a former Liverpool defender, have collaborated to raise awareness of the disease and become great friends.
On Saturday, Burrrow paid tribute to Weir.He tweeted:I was heartbroken to learn.
my MND hero, Doddie Weir, had passed away.I regret to say, but how many more warriors will perish before this naive government provides the £50 million promised?
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, wrote, “Doddie was a national sporting hero, but his brave response to MND was greater than anything he accomplished on the rugby field.He did so much to assist others and refused to let it dampen his spirit.My sympathies go out to his family.
During the England-South Africa match at Twickenham on Saturday night, a tribute was shown on the big screen.
The England Rugby team posted:Doddie Weir was a great player for England Rugby, and his passing has deeply saddened the England Rugby family.a real person, both on and off the field.We will deeply miss him.At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
The head of World Rugby, Bill Beaumont, stated:He possessed unwavering, moving character strength.Through tireless campaigning and fundraising, he channeled his determination into fighting not only his own battle but also the battle for all MND sufferers.always with a happy face.He was simply a remarkable individual.”
Brian Moore, a well-known rugby commentator, added:I am deeply sorry to learn of Doddie Weir’s passing.A remarkable individual in every way, he will be greatly missed.Tear Large Man.”