DODDIE WELL UP FOR HIS CUP IN THE PRINCIPALITY

THE motto by which Doddie Weir lives his life takes the form of three short phrases: Look forward. Make memories. No regrets.

The Scotland rugby legend is a picture of positivity in his ongoing battle against motor neurone disease, almost two years after his initial diagnosis.

He launched his official autobiography earlier this week, My Name’5

Doddie, and is looking forward to next weekend’s match between Scotland and Wales in Cardiff.

The two nations will contest the inaugural staging of the Doddie Weir Cup, a trophy which has been created in his honour.

‘Usually, you only get that honour when you’re not here any more, so it’s very kind of them,’ said Weir, who earned 61 caps for his country and toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 1997.

‘It’s going to be a memorable weekend. Myself and my family are going to embrace it. With any luck, the incentive will be there for the boys to win the cup and bring it back to put it in the museum at Murrayfield.’ Weir (below) has plenty of his own memories of playing against Wales, and indeed at the Principality Stadium. One, though, stands head and shoulders above the others. ‘I played in Scott Quinnell’s testimonial, that was phenomenal,’ said Weir, now 48. ‘He abseiled from the scoreboard, so it must have been a strong rope!

‘He entered with a bang. I certainly won’t be doing that. But I do have plans. I’ll be doing something different and I’m looking forward to it.

‘I’ve had nearly two years of this horrific disease now. But myself and my family have had some fantastic memories in that time.

‘I’m sure next week will be another one and I hope people enjoy reading my book because I have no regrets.’