Wednesday, 03 June 2020
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To celebrate and mark his 50th birthday this Saturday (4 July), Scottish Rugby has inducted Doddie Weir into its Hall of Fame.
The 61-times capped Scotland international, a British & Irish Lion on their victorious 1997 tour to South Africa, enjoyed a stellar career with Melrose and Newcastle Falcons, winning domestic league titles with both clubs, displaying a larger-than-life personality and no less ability over the course of his playing career.
A well-documented battle with motor neuron disease (MND), which he confirmed in the summer of 2017, has generated tireless work to both raise money for vital MND research, and increase awareness of the condition and its impact on people living with MND and their families.
Since its inception in November 2017, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has raised over £5.8 million and distributed funds to both MND research and awarded funding to people with the condition to help improve their quality of life.
Doddie’s plan, so typical of the man, was for a large 50th birthday party - but with the COVID-19 restrictions in place and Doddie himself being part of the ‘shielded’ group to further protect him from the virus, this won’t be possible.
Scottish Rugby is therefore marking his birthday by inducting the former second-row into its Hall of Fame, which was founded in 2010 and contains some of the country’s greatest-ever rugby luminaries, including Gavin Hastings, Chris Paterson and Sir Ian McGeechan to name a few.
On hearing of his award, Doddie said: “I am truly honoured to be inducted into Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame. I owe so much to the game of rugby, and to our great rugby family in particular.
“The support I received from players and supporters throughout my playing career and now in my current battle to find a cure for MND has been immense, and has given me the strength to keep fighting.
"Thank you so much for honouring me with this award - and on my 50th birthday too! What a great present!”
John Jeffrey, who has recently been appointed interim Chairman of Scottish Rugby, feels that the induction into the Hall of Fame of his former teammate is just reward for both his rugby and fund-raising achievements.
He said: “Doddie is known to rugby fans all over the world for his incredible efforts to raise awareness for MND and continuing to entertain people in the face of adversity.
“He was an excellent player to boot, winning 61 caps for Scotland and of course representing the British & Irish Lions in South Africa in 1997, where his personality shone through before injury ruled him out of a potential Test cap.
“His induction to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to such a tremendous ambassador of both our game and country. So many people have been inspired by his selfless work and spirit, we thought it was only right he should receive this birthday gift to acknowledge his contribution to sport and life, not only in Scotland, but globally.
"Congratulations Doddie and have a great birthday!”
Plans to present Doddie with his Hall of Fame award are underway and will ideally happen in person at an appropriate time.
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