Rob Burrow has called Doddie Weir his "MND hero" after the rugby union icon lost his five-year battle with motor neuron disease.
Weir's passing was announced on Saturday and many have paid tribute to the former Scotland international in recent hours, including Burrow. The rugby league legend, who is also suffering with MND, has admitted he's "absolutely gutted" at the 52-year-old's death.
Burrow also took aim at the "stupid government" for not sticking to their promise of investing £50million in MND research, which was made by Boris Johnson last year. Weir campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease during his five-year battle.
"So sad to hear the news of the passing of my MND hero Doddie Weir," tweeted Burrow. "I'm sorry to say, how many more warriors die before this stupid government give the £50m they said they would give. I'm absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die. You are the reason for [me] being so positive RIP."
Weir's wife Kathy and his three sons Hamish, Angus and Ben confirmed the rugby union hero's passing on Saturday with a statement. It read: "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 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 took so 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."
Weir will forever be remembered for being a popular member of the Scotland team, as well as his spells with English side Newcastle Falcons and the now-defunct Scottish outfit Border Reivers. The lock also represented the British & Irish Lions in 1997.
Weir announced he was suffering with MND in the summer of 2017 and set up a foundation called 'My Name'5 Doddie'. As of June, the foundation has raised more than £8m.
Speaking to The Guardian in June, Weir said: "I'm still here, I'm still fighting... They [the government] are making it very difficult. The current process for accessing the money is just not delivering for the MND community."
