Row over Doddie Weir rugby match
A rugby match which will see Scotland take on Wales for the Doddie Weir Cup will not benefit the charity set up by the legendary player.
The competitive international fixture next Saturday has been organised by the Welsh Rugby Union to honour Doddie Weir, who has motor neurone disease (MND).
The 48-year-old set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation after his diagnosis, and has raised more than £500,000.
But none of the proceeds of the match in Cardiff, which is expected to be attended by 74,000 rugby fans, will be donated to his charity.
Former Scottish international David Johnston urged the two countries to donate a percentage of the gate receipts to his friend’s foundation, which supports research into MND.
He said: “Undoubtedly a lot of people will go to the match because it is associated with Doddie.”
The SRU said the Doddie Weir Cup was not intended as a testimonial or charity match and is backed by Weir as it will generate a huge amount of publicity and help raise awareness.
The SRU added: “We work incredibly closely with Doddie.”
Scott Hastings, chairman of trustees at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “It is a personal tribute to Doddie but also the opportunity for his foundation to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.”