Former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52 following a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

His wife Kathy said he was a “true family man” and it was “difficult to put into words how much we will miss him”.

She said in a statement, released by Scotland Rugby: “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.

“MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your support.”

The MND Association said that since sharing his diagnosis in 2017, Weir had “became an inspiration to many” by raising awareness and “campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those” with the disease.

Nicola Sturgeon said Weir’s death was “so terribly sad”.

Scotland’s first minister tweeted: “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.”

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