Scotland to face Wales in Doddie Cup

SCOTLAND will play for the ‘Doddie Weir Cup’ against Wales after adding a fourth international fixture to their autumn Test series later this year. Weir, the 47-year-old former Scotland second-row, has recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and the match will raise awareness for his

charity. The game will be played on November 3 in Cardiff, before each nation faces three southern hemisphere teams in the autumn Tests. SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said: ‘We have a great relationship with the Welsh Rugby Union at all levels and this exciting addition to the Scotland team’s schedule, as we prepare for the World Cup 2019, demonstrates that. ‘The introduction of the Doddie Weir Cup reflects the warmth with which he is held across the rugby community and the international desire to support the Doddie Weir’s Discretionary Trust.’ Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend also believes playing four Test matches this November will aid his preparation for the World Cup. ‘Facing Wales on the road is an exciting prospect for our players as we begin the final year of preparations for Rugby World Cup 2019,’ he said. ‘Four Test matches in four weeks is a very similar challenge to the one we will face in Japan. ‘This additional contest in the autumn against Wales in Cardiff will allow us to expose more Scotland players to international rugby.’ Scotland follow up the Welsh match with home contests against Fiji on November 10, South Africa on November 17 and then Argentina on November 24.