Former British and Irish Lions and Scotland lock Doddie Weir has been inducted into Scottish Rugby’s hall of fame.
The 50-year-old will became the 27th member to be inducted into the Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame and received the sculpted Hall of Fame cap from his fellow inductee Chris Paterson at Weir’s farm near Lauder this week.
He played 61 times for Scotland between 1990 and 2000 and featured in three World Cups for the Dark Blues. He was also part of the Scotland team that went on to win the Five Nations in 1999, which is their last title win in the tournament till date.
Weir was also selected for the British and Irish Lions for the tour of South Africa in 1997.
Weir was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2016 following which he went on to launch his charity ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’ to help people address the issue. He was also awarded the Helen Rollason award in December last year.
“This means so much to me,” Doddie said. “And it’s great that there are four Melrose men in the Hall of Fame and only two from Gala!”
Scotland’s all-time points record holder Paterson heaped praise on Weir and his contribution to the game.
“The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have been Scottish Rugby’s ultimate ambassadors.
“The first point to remember is that Doddie was a great rugby player, winning 61 Scotland caps and a Lion on the successful 1997 South Africa tour, despite it being blighted for him personally through injury. He also won league championships with Melrose and Newcastle.
“Since Doddie was diagnosed with MND four years ago, the manner in which he has fought this awful condition has been both poignant and inspirational for both the rugby and wider community.
“The fund-raising he has engineered through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has raised millions, given impetus to attempts to find a cure for MND and hope, that elusive hope, to MND sufferers.
“Inspiringly, he is always the first to say thank you to those who have helped, whether in a neighbourhood car boot sale or a big posh do.”
