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Leeds Rhinos legends, St Helens and others pay tribute to Doddie Weir

Yesterday the world lost a true champion when Doddie Weir passed away after a six year battle with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 52.

Though a Scotland Rugby Union legend, he is beloved in rugby league for his support of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow since he was diagnosed with MND in 2019.

Thus, tributes have rightly poured in including from BBC reporters Tanya Arnold and Sally Nugent have witness first hand the support Doddie gave Rob and others:

“So very sad. I know what a huge influence he had on Rob when they met soon after Rob’s diagnosis. An incredible man and hopefully his legacy will be to find a cure for this horrible disease.”

Burrow himself of course paid tribute as he called for the government to take action and finally release the £50 million they promised days after he said they had “blood on their hands”:

“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 being so positive RIP.”

His father Geoff was much the same:

“SO SAD to hear about Rugby Legend Doddle Weir 💙 a true champion and such a lovely kind human being RIP Doddle 🙏 SO NOW COME ON GOVERNMENT – cut all “Red Tape” 😳and give the so called “promises” of funding of £50 million over 5 years. NO MORE DELAYS PLEASE.”

Meanwhile, Burrow’s good friend Kevin Sinfield who has done three major challenges in the fight against MND paying tribute to Burrow, Weir and others, also paid tribute. He too has recently described how he has been “disappointed” with the government:

“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.”

Super League Champions St Helens also paid tribute:

As did the Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars:

There were more tributes yesterday. Click here to see them.

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