World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has paid tribute to the great Doddie Weir, who passed away today aged 52 after battling motor neurone disease (MND).
A Scotland great of 61 caps, Weir was an engaging personality and a fan-favourite who was as popular for his warm humour as he was his rugby prowess.
A force of nature, his strength of character was ever-present following his diagnosis, fighting the disease while tirelessly raising awareness and funds to develop a cure for MND.
Weir was presented with the World Rugby Award for Character in Monaco in 2018 in recognition of his fundraising efforts. He was also awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to rugby, to motor neurone disease research and to the community in the Scottish Borders.
Beaumont said: “Today, the rugby family mourns one of its most inspirational members. Doddie was a force of nature on and off the rugby field and a role model to all.
“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.
“The thoughts of the global rugby family are with Doddie’s wife Kathy and three children Hamish, Angus and Ben at this difficult time.”
