Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir has passed away at the age of 52.
Weir has been battling Motor Neurone Disease since 2017 and has led campaigns into research for a cure for the disease ever since, alongside fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby.
His wife Kathy confirmed his passing in a statement, describing her late husband as an "inspirational force of nature."
He started his professional career with Newcastle Falcons and spent seven years with the club before joining Border Reivers in his native Scotland.
Weir, real name George, won 61 caps for Scotland and also represented the British and Irish Lions. He was given an OBE in 2019 for his services to rugby and his campaign work that raised millions.
Weir made an emotional appearance on the pitch before Scotland's defeat to New Zealand earlier this month with players wearing blue and yellow tartan
Scottish Rugby confirmed his tragic death on social media via a statement from wife Kathy, who has three sons - Hamish, Angus and Ben.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie," it read.
"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 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."
His passing comes a week after rugby legend Kevin Sinfield raised over £1.8m for research into MND after completing an ultra marathon challenge.
Weir, former rugby league star Burrow and ex-Liverpool defender Darby have united to raise awareness of the disease and have become great friends since meeting in 2020.
Burrrow paid tribute to Weir on Saturday. He tweeted: "So sad to hear the news of the passing of my MND hero Doddie Weir. 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."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led the tributes, writing: "Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch. He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones.
A tribute was shared on the big screen at Twickenham during England's clash with South Africa on Saturday evening.
England Rugby posted: "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."
World Rugby chief Bill Beaumont said: "His strength of character was unwavering, inspiring and moving. He channelled his determination into fighting his own battle, while also fighting the battle for all MND sufferers through his tireless campaigning and fundraising. Always with a smile. Quite simply, he was a remarkable man."
Rugby legend and commentator Brian Moore added: "Very sorry to hear about the death of Doddie Weir. An outstanding man in every sense and one who will be sorely missed. RIP Big Man."
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, also paid their respects stating the rugby legend was an 'inspiration'. A tweet from their account said: "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."
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, also paid her tribute to the Scottish rugby legend. She tweeted: 'This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation's sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.'
"He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones. #RIPDoddie."
Former Scotland skipper Kelly Brown paid her tribute stating that Weir was 'a giant of a man on and off the pitch' and added 'everybody loves Doddie Weir.'
Leeds Rhinos also paid tribute to the rugby legend, they tweeted: "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 at this extremely sad time, rest in peace Doddie."
