Former Scotland lock Doddie Weir has died aged 52 after battling motor neurone illness (MND) for the final six years, his household mentioned on Saturday.

Edinburgh-born Weir, who gained 61 caps from 1990-2000, revealed his analysis in 2017 to boost consciousness of the situation. “Doddie was an inspirational force of nature,” his household mentioned in a press release posted on the Scottish Rugby web site.

“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. “MND took a lot from Doddie, however by no means his spirit and dedication. He battled MND so bravely and, while his personal battle could also be over, his combat continues via his basis till a treatment is discovered for all these with this devastating illness.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Weir on Twitter. This is so terribly unhappy,” she wrote. “Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.

“He refused to let it dim his spirit and did a lot to assist others. My condolences to his family members.” In 2019 Weir was awarded an OBE for services to rugby, MND research and the Scottish Borders community.

His strength of character was unwavering, inspiring and moving,” World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont mentioned “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.”

In 2017, Doddie and his trustees launched the registered charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to discover a treatment for MND – the ‘5’ being a reference to his shirt quantity for Scotland and his membership sides Melrose and Newcastle Falcons. “We lost the most lovable man in the world today! Doddie Weir, we will honour your legacy & find a cure for MND,” former Scotland centre Scott Hastings wrote on Twitter.

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton wrote

on Twitter: “Despite knowing his fate, Doddie Weir was an absolute hero and inspiration in adversity and his legacy will be immense. An amazing man. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”

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