Former Newcastle Falcons captain and Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52.
Scottish Rugby confirmed his passing on social media on Saturday evening with a statement from his wife Kathy, in which Weir was described as an "inspirational force of nature". Kathy added: "It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him."
Weir had been battling Motor Neurone Disease for many years before his tragic passing.
In a statement shared by Scottish Rugby on social media, Kathy wrote on behalf of the family: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie.
Doddie was an inspirational force of nature. His unending energy and drive, and his strength of character powered him through his rugby and business careers and, we believe, enabled him to fight the effects of MND (Motor Neurone Disease) for so many years.
Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together: he was a true family man. Whether working together on the farm, on holiday, or celebrating occasions with wider family and friends, Doddie was always in the thick of it.
"We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish all those memories: his love and warmth, his support and advice, his quick wit, and his terrible jokes. It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him.
"MND tookso much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.
"Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time. Kathy Weir".
Doddie became captain of the Kingston Park side in August 2000.
Edinburgh-born Weir won 61 caps for Scotland and was part of the squad which won the 1999 Five Nations title.
The 6ft 6ins forward was also called up for the British and Irish Lions’ 1997 tour of South Africa, and was part of the Falcons’ Premiership-winning 1997–98 side.
Newcastle Falcons has posted a statement following the sad news. It reads: "It is with desperate sadness that Newcastle Falcons has learned of the passing of our former player and lifetime friend, Doddie Weir OBE.
A legend as a player, Doddie helped the Falcons ascend into the top flight and was an instrumental part of the squad which lifted the 1997-98 Premiership title - still the only team to achieve this remarkable feat the first season after promotion.
The Scotland and British & Irish Lions lock captained the Falcons in their victorious 2001 Tetley's Bitter Cup final at Twickenham, and even after his departure from the club in 2002 he remained a regular presence at Kingston Park Stadium.
Following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease in 2017 Doddie showed his characteristic mixture of determination and good humour in raising many millions for research into the currently-incurable condition.
It was our honour to display his foundation's logo on the front of our shirts when we played at St James' Park in front of a club record crowd of more than 30,000 in 2018, and to play our part in supporting their incredible fundraising activity.
All associated with Newcastle Falcons would like to express our sadness at hearing the news of Doddie's passing, whilst at the same time remembering the many happy memories and good times of which he was a central part."
Ant and Dec retweeted the statement, adding 'RIP Doddie'.
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