Jump to Main ContentJump to Primary Navigation
leicestertigers.comMattioli Woods Welford RoadContact UsTopps Tiles
Club News

Sinfield: Weir will always be a champion

Figure image

Leicester Tigers are deeply saddened by the news of Doddie Weir's death.

Weir made capped 61 international appearances for Scotland and, following his diagnosis in 2016, raised millions through his My Name'5 Doddie foundation.

The lock represented fellow Premiership club Newcastle Falcons as well as Border Reivers during his playing career.

He was given an OBE in 2019 for services to rugby, MND research and the Borders community.

Leicester Tigers Defence Coach Kevin Sinfield, who has raised more than £5,000,000 in the name of MND and recently completed 7 Ultra Marathons in 7 Days to raise awareness for and money to help find a cure for the disease, said: "Today is a deeply sad day for everyone who knew Doddie but especially his family, who are at the forefront of our thoughts."

"Doddie was a giant as a player but his campaigning following his MND diagnosis made him a colossus. When Bryan Redpath first put me in touch with Doddie to speak to Rob Burrow following Rob’s own diagnosis, he immediately said yes without hesitation.

"The sight of 5’4” Rob and 6’6” Doddie was something that will live with all of us and probably bonded the duo with the great humour they shared. Doddie was able to give Rob the greatest gift of hope that night. He has been like a big brother to all of us since that day."

"I know, on behalf of the whole Ultra 7 in 7 team, it was our ultimate honour that Doddie was at Murrayfield just two weeks ago when we set off on our fundraising challenge. With his trademark smile, he insisted that he wanted to be there with his new pink trainers on! The fact that a proportion of the money raised from the Ultra 7 in 7 will go to the Foundation set up by Doddie has particular poignancy as we look to continue his legacy on in the years ahead.

"I am honoured to have been able to call Doddie my friend and I know his spirit lives on in all of us who knew him.

"He will always be a champion."

Leicester Tigers will pay tribute to Weir with a minute's applause ahead of Gallagher Premiership fixture against London Irish at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday, November 27.