Gregor Townsend and Jamie Ritchie pay tribute to Doddie Weir

Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has paid tribute to former teammate, Doddie Weir, who has died after a six-year battle with motor neuron disease.

Weir was a real character of the Scottish team and won 61 caps for his country between 1990 and 2000.

“The news of Doddie’s passing is incredibly sad for his family and the whole of Scottish Rugby but it’s also a time to celebrate Doddie’s life and what he’s achieved, particularly over the last five years,” Townsend said in his statement.

“His fight against MND and his fight to find a cure for the illness has been inspirational. I know it’s inspired so many people around the country to raise a lot of money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which has in turn brought together his friends as well as rugby clubs and communities across Scotland and further afield.

“Doddie will have a huge legacy as he’s made such progress in finding a cure for MND and breakthroughs are already being made because of his determination.

“We want to pay tribute to the big man who has made a huge difference and had a deep impact on the lives of so many over the last few years.”

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie said: “Yesterday’s news was tough to take for so many people which proves how much of an inspiration Doddie Weir was.

“Doddie was so special to all of the Scotland players. The strength and courage he showed over the last five years to keep fighting in the face of such a terrible diagnosis was an inspiration to everyone, not just the playing group.

“As well as his achievements on the pitch, his personality was so infectious and we would often hear stories about him off the field about how he was an incredible character and teammate, someone we all looked up to.”