Doddie Weir Scotland Rugby

DODDIE WEIR SCOTLAND RUGBY & BRITISH LIONS LOCK FORWARD

We were saddened by the death of Doddie Weir over the weekend. It’s well known Doddie was suffering from the dreadful motor neurone disease (MND) that eventually took his life.

Over recent weeks, we’ve seen the former Rugby League great Kevin Sinfeild’s incredible fundraising exploits. His support of former Leeds Rhinos half-back Rob Burrow has been truly inspirational.

Fight against MND with Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby

The bond that both Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow showed brought both the Rugby codes communities together. Alongside Doddie and Rob the former Bradford City footballer Stephen Darby helped publicise their battles with the disease. Recently, former Gloucester forward Ed Slater is the latest high-profile Rugby Union player to be diagnosed with MND.
Tributes have poured in from all around the country for the inspirational former Lock Forward who campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness for the cruel disease. Following is our tribute to Dobbie’s exceptional playing career.

Doddie Weir Scotland Rugby Career

George Wilson Weir OBE was born on the 4th of July 1970 in Edinburgh. He attended Daniel Stewart’s and Melville College. And, studied at the Scottish Agricultural College from 1988 to 1991,
Weir played his club rugby with Stewart’s Melville during the 1989-99 season, Before joining Melrose. Doddie played six years for the borders team from 1989 to 1995. Then he moved to England to take up a contract with Newcastle Falcons in 1995. Where he made 97 appearances for the North East team. And was a part of the star-studded Premiership-winning side of 1997–98.

Joining the Borders Rugby Team in 2002

Then, in February 2002. Weir, along with Scotland internationals Gary Armstrong and George Graham joined the newly reformed Borders Rugby team. Doddie remained with the Borders team until his retirement from professional rugby. Alongside Gary Armstrong, he finished their playing career at the Border Reivers in May 2004.
On the 10th of November 1990, he made his full Scotland debut. Against Argentina at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Scotland were victorious winning 49 points to 3. He became a regular in the national team throughout the 1990s. And was a fan favourite of the Murrayfield crowd. In 1997 he was the first recipient of the Famous Grouse Scotland Player of the Five Nations Award.

Scotland Rugby Appearances

He made 61 international appearances for Scotland rugby. In addition, scored four tries. His first was against Zimbabwe in the 1991 Rugby World Cup Pool game. A match Scotland won by 51 points to 12. The next time he crossed for two tries was against New Zealand. This time at the Rugby World Cup in 1995 staged in South Africa. The All Blacks defeated Scotland by 48 points to 30 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Also, he scored his final international try in the 38 points to 10 victory over Ireland. In front of 67,500 spectators at the home of Scottish rugby, Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Doddie’s international career concluded at the end of the 2000 campaign. A defeat against France at home by 28 points to 16.

British & Irish Rugby Tour in 1997

In addition, he was selected as part of the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 1997. However, whilst on the tour, he suffered a serious knee injury. And as a result of foul play, while playing against Mpumalanga Province his injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tour.
He has won many honours, including. Firstly, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In the 2019 New Year Honours for services to rugby, to motor neurone disease research and to the community in the Scottish Borders. Secondly, he collected the award from the Queen at an investiture at Holyrood Palace in July 2019.

Doddie Weir Scotland Rugby Honours

He has won many honours, including. Firstly, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In the 2019 New Year Honours for services to rugby, to motor neurone disease research and to the community in the Scottish Borders. Secondly, he collected the award from the Queen at an investiture at Holyrood Palace in July 2019. Thirdly, named in his honour, the Doddie Weir Cup is a perpetual rugby union trophy for matches played between Scotland and Wales. Including those matches played in the Six Nations.

Fourthly, in December 2019, Weir was announced as the recipient of the Helen Rollason Award. Which is presented every year during the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year show. The award was presented to him by Princess Anne. In addition, 2020, the National Galleries of Scotland announced that a portrait of Weir by artist Gerard M. Burns had been loaned to the Scottish collection. Also, in November 2021, Melrose Rugby announced Weir as being appointed to the honorary position of joint President of the club Finally, in July 2022 he was awarded an honorary degree by Abertay University.

Doddie Weir Scotland Rugby – Condolences

Doddie Weir. A great rugby player and personality will be sadly missed by the rugby community. Our condolences to his family – his wife, Kathy, and sons Hamish, Angus and Ben.