Extra Cardiff Test to boost Weir foundation

Scotland are to play an extra Test against Wales in Cardiff in the autumn with the new “Doddie Weir Cup” up for grabs, writes

Duncan Smith.

Former Scotland and Lions lock Weir, pictured, revealed in June he was suffering from motor neurone disease and has since set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to raise funds for the battle against the illness.

After the 3 November match, the trophy will then be contested every time the two nations meet in Cardiff. The Welsh Rugby Union said: “A series of rugby initiatives over the course of the weekend will raise money for the foundation and bring Scottish and Welsh rugby communities together.”

Scotland confirmed their 2018 schedule yesterday, including a June tour of the Americas. Gregor Townsend’s men will face Canada on 8 June, the United States on the 15th and Argentina on the 22nd.

In the autumn, the Scots will face Fiji on 10 November, South Africa on the 17th and Argentina on the 24th – all at BT Murrayfield.

Townsend said: “Facing Wales on the road is an exciting prospect. This additional contest will allow us to expose more Scotland players to international rugby and support our preparations to face three huge matches at BT Murrayfield later that month.”