The family of Doddie Weir have announced he has died after a battle with motor neurone disease.
He was 52.
In a statement released via the Scottish Rugby Union, his wife Kathy Weir said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie.
"Doddie was an inspirational force of nature. 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.
"Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together; he was a true family man. Whether working together on the farm, on holiday, or celebrating occasions with wider family and friends, Doddie was always in the thick of it.
"We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish all those memories: his love and warmth, his support and advice, his quick wit, and his terrible jokes. It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him.
"MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.
"Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time."
Weir was diagnosed with MND back in 2017.
He was in attendance at Scotland's recent Test match against the All Blacks at Murrayfield to mark the fifth anniversary of his motor neurone disease research foundation.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF) has committed almost £8million to research projects across the UK.
"You’re a true legend, to the sport you love and the family who you adored. Rest in peace my friend x" wrote former team-mate Kenny Logan on Twitter following the news.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is so terribly sad. 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 so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones."
World Rugby paid their own respects with the following statement: "A great player and a wonderful man He leaves an incredible legacy and will be missed by so many in the rugby family and the MND community Rest in peace Doddie."
Brian Moore added his own tribute. He said: "Very sorry to hear about the death of Doddie Weir. An outstanding man in every sense and one who will be sorely missed. RIP Big Man."
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: "On behalf of the Welsh rugby team, we’d like to send our condolences to Doddie Weir’s family and friends."
"I hope his family never forget how much he was loved," wrote TV presenter Dan Walker.
Fellow Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Scott Hastings paid his respects, too. "We lost the most lovable man in the world today! DODDIE WEIR we will honour your legacy & find a cure for MND," he wrote online.
Former Scotland captain Kelly Brown paid testament to the character of Doddie. "So so sad to hear this news. A giant of a man on and off the pitch…everybody loves Doddie Weir," he said.
South Africa legend Bryan Habana gave a heartwarming tribute. "He embodied everything that the game stands for in terms of: respect, charisma, spirit in which the game is played, the humour with which he embraced and what he brought to the game of rugby.
"He was a phenomenal player, and then I think what he's done in this last decade, getting a disease that probably would have seen potential people die a lot earlier and how much money he has raised. He's got continual effort, even with the struggles, to walk two or three kilometres, just to show to the world the character that he has inside.
"To his family, his loved ones - the deepest amounts of condolences and respect for someone that really lit up this world and made it a better place." said Bryan
Former England captain Dylan Hartley paid tribute to Weir and the legacy he leaves behind: "Condolences to Doddie's friends and family.
"A truly great character, a much loved character in the game. I suppose his legacy - the My Name's Doddie Foundation - and getting after MND and finding that cure. The awareness that he has raised for that will be his legacy and how he lives on."
Weir was capped 61 times for Scotland between 1990 and 2000 and was selected for the British & Irish Lions' tour of South Africa in 1997.
He was given an OBE in 2019 for services to rugby, to MND research and to the Borders community.
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