Sadly, Scottish Rugby Union legend Doddie Weir today passed away at 52 years of age after a six year fight with Motor Neurone Disease.
He may be a rugby union legend, but he is well loved by rugby league fans for his support of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow since his diagnosis in December 2019.
Thus, the RFL have paid tribute to the legendary figure:
“The RFL would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the friends, family & former teammates of Doddie Weir following his passing today. Doddie campaigned heroically to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease alongside Rugby League legend Rob Burrow & many others.”
The RFL would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the friends, family & former teammates of Doddie Weir following his passing today.
Doddie campaigned heroically to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease alongside Rugby League legend @Rob7Burrow & many others. pic.twitter.com/wW7ltm405G
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) November 26, 2022
Understandably, Leeds Rhinos also paid tribute to Weir after their legendary skipper Kevin Sinfield visited landmark locations in Weir’s life on his latest seven in seven challenge for MND:
“It is with deep sadness that the club has learned of the passing of Rugby Union star and MND campaigner Doddie Weir OBE.
“Weir was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and has spent his time since tirelessly campaigning for new ways to treat and eventually cure the disease. When Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, the first person he spoke to with MND was Doddie when Kevin Sinfield connected with his former coach at Yorkshire Carnegie, the Scottish Rugby Union international Bryan Redpath. Within days of Rob’s diagnosis, the pair met in a hotel in Carlisle and instantly Doddie installed the fighting spirit that has encapsulated both men’s battle with MND ever since.
“Doddie has been a constant source of strength to Rob. The pair along with footballer Stephen Darby gave MND a public face thanks to the work of BBC Breakfast and that has led to a ground shift in what the general public know about MND and how we continue that conversation.”
Sheffield Eagles have also paid tribute:
“RIP Doddie. An inspiration to all fighting the odds.”
RIP Doddie. An inspiration to all fighting the odds. https://t.co/3Cr4LFspHn
— Sheffield Eagles (@SheffieldEagles) November 26, 2022
Former Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity man Danny Sculthorpe did the same:
Doddie weir died😢😢😢😢 RIP X
— danny sculthorpe💙 (@danscully8) November 26, 2022
Understandably, so did many fans, especially Leeds Rhinos fans:
Oh no 😢😢😢 RIP Doddie! 🏴 https://t.co/n9TTFkJyqH
— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) November 26, 2022
Incredibly sad news. RIP Doddie. https://t.co/reCLdDGKtz
— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) November 26, 2022
To hear Doddie Weir has passed is cruel
Him and Rob built up a friendship through this horrible disease and tragically it has caught Doddie
The Goverment promised money for research & help. Nothing has appeared yet
Shame on the Conservatives
— LoinersView (@loinersview) November 26, 2022
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