Tributes pour in for giant with soft touch

WHAT THEY SAID

‘Doddie. You have been a giant amongst big men. You have never complained, never felt sorry for yourself but have sought to make the world a more comfortable place for those who come after you. RIP Big Man and our love goes out to Kathy and the boys.’

GAVIN HASTINGS

‘We lost the most lovable man in the world today! DODDIE WEIR we will honour your legacy & find a cure for MND.’

SCOTT HASTINGS

‘An inspiration. A legend. One of a kind. From all of us at Glasgow Warriors, we send our heartfelt condolences to Doddie’s family. Thank you for everything, Doddie. Rest in peace.’

GLASGOW WARRIORS

‘Doddie was ahead of his time as a ball playing second row and for almost a decade he was one of the first names on the Scotland teamsheet. He was a great team-mate on the pitch and an even greater team-mate off it.

‘In rugby terms Doddie will probably be remembered for two things, the cruel injury in South Africa which prevented him winning a deserved Lions Test cap and Bill McLaren describing him as a mad giraffe (which he loved!). This does not do justice to his rugby playing abilities where he was one of the most sought after signings at the start of the professional era.

‘Our thoughts are with Kathy and the boys as we remember the great life of Doddie Weir.’

JOHN JEFFREY ‘It is with desperate sadness that Newcastle Falcons has learned of the passing of our former player and lifetime friend, Doddie Weir OBE. Rest in peace, Doddie.’

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

‘Broken with this news #RIPDoddie’

ANDY NICOL

‘So sad to hear this. A giant of a man on and off the pitch… everybody loves Doddie Weir.’

KELLY BROWN

‘Dearest Doddie you have inspired so many people on the pitch and in your relentless campaigning for MND. We were lucky to call you a friend. To see you as the adoring husband to Kathy and the best Dad to Hamish, Angus and Ben was to really know you. We will all miss you.’

GABBY LOGAN

‘The England Rugby family are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the game’s greats in Doddie Weir. A true character on and off the field. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace Doddie.’

THE RFU

‘It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Rugby Union star and MND campaigner Doddie Weir OBE. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends and this extremely sad time, rest in peace Doddie.’

LEEDS RHINOS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB

‘Doddie Weir was a hero — we are so sad to hear of his passing. His immense talent on the pitch as well as his tireless efforts to raise awareness of MND were an inspiration. Our thoughts are with all those who loved him. He will be hugely missed across the entire rugby world. W&C.’

PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ‘Very sad to hear the news about Doddie

Weir. He led by example, inspiring so many others with MND and made great strides towards treatment and ultimately finding a cure for the disease. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. Our sympathy goes to his wife and 3 boys. RIP Doddie.’

SIR KENNY DALGLISH ‘So sad to hear the news of the passing of Doddie Weir taken far too soon from the terrible disease that MND is RIP big man.’