Rugby mourns loss of ‘inspirational’ Weir

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Former Scottish rugby international Doddie Weir died at the age of 52 after a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND), his family announced.

Weir, who won 61 caps for his country and was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1997, was diagnosed with MND in 2016.

He went on to set up the “My Name’5 Doddie” foundation, which has raised almost £8 million ($9.7 million) to fight the disease.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie,” said a statement from his wife Kathy , published on the Scottish Rugby Union website on Saturday.

“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.”

Surrounded by his family, Weir took the field at Murrayfield just two weeks ago before Scotland’s Autumn International against New Zealand to present the match ball.

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie described that moment as one of his most meaningful in his rugby career.

“I do not have the words to describe how inspirational he is to us,” Ritchie tweeted.

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“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,” added the family’s statement.

Weir’s foundation said the work to fight MND will continue in his name.

“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,” said Jill Douglas, chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie foundation.

“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.”

There was a minute’s applause in honour of Weir when news of his death was announced at half time of England’s Test against the Springboks at Twickenham.

Tributes from beyond the sporting world poured in for a player famed for his charisma and outlandish dress sense.

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.”

© Agence France-Presse

Photo:: @Rugbytalks1/Twitter

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Dylan Jack