Tributes have been pouring in for former Scotland and British & Irish Lions lock Doddie Weir, who lost his battle with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 52.
His family and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) announced his death on Saturday evening.
Weir represented Scotland in 61 Tests between 1990 and 2000 and was also part of the Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 but did not play in a Test for the famous touring team.
He was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and used his high profile to push research to be improved on the disease, and also appealed for better care to be given to those afflicted by it.
Although his MND battle gradually had an effect on his condition, Weir continued raising funds and established his ‘My Name’5 Doddie’ foundation.
Rob Burrow leads the tributes
Leading the tributes was Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and fellow motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow, who hailed Weir as a “warrior”.
Despite not playing rugby league, Weir had a close relationship with Super League outfit Leeds Rhinos after Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
Through his own charity work, Burrow has also raised awareness of MND.
Earlier in November, Weir met with another ex-Rhinos player Kevin Sinfield ahead of his ‘Ultra 7 in 7’ challenge, when he ran seven ‘ultra marathons’ in as many days for MND-related causes.
“So sad to hear the news of the passing of my mnd hero Doddie Weir,” Burrow said in a Twitter post.
“I’m sorry to say, how many more warriors die before this stupid government give the 50m they said they would give.
“I’m absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die. You are the reason for being so positive RIP.”
In November 2021, the UK Government gave commitment of at least £50 million to help find new therapies, and eventually a cure for MND, a condition in which the brain and nerves progressively degenerate.
Former Rhinos skipper Sinfield also paid tribute to Weir.
“Doddie was a giant as a player, but his campaigning following his MND diagnosis made him a colossus,” he said.
“I am honoured to have been able to call Doddie my friend and I know his spirit lives on in all of us who knew him. He will always be a champion.”
Weir’s family mentioned his determination through adversity via a statement released by the SRU.
“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,” the Weir family statement read.
“Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together: he was a true family man. 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.”
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont hailed Weir as a “remarkable man”.
“Today, the rugby family mourns one of its most inspirational members,” said Beaumont.
“His strength of character was unwavering, inspiring and moving.
“He channelled his determination into fighting his own battle, while also fighting the battle for all MND sufferers through his tireless campaigning and fundraising. Always with a smile. Quite simply, he was a remarkable man.”
Weir’s foundation paid tribute to his drive and determination in his battle against MND.
“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, the foundation’s chief executive.
An inspirational man
“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.
“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 was a minute’s applause at half-time during England’s Autumn Nations Series clash with South Africa at Twickenham after the news of Weir’s death had been announced to the crowd.
A statement from the RFU read: “The England Rugby family are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the game’s greats in Doddie Weir.
“A true character on and off the field. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
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