Scots rugby legend Doddie Weir makes emotional return to Murrayfield
dailyrecord.co.ukFormer Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir made an emotional return to Murrayfield today. The sporting legend, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease five years ago, was greeted by a standing ovation from the crowds.
Doddie's family helped him out onto the pitch holding a rugby ball ahead of the match against New Zealand All Blacks on Sunday afternoon.
The 52-year-old's pitch-side appearance marked the fifth anniversary of his charity, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Both fans and players paid their respects to Weir, who has now raised thousands for research into the condition, reports Edinburgh Live.Speaking earlier in the week, head coach Gregor Townsend says his side is aiming for a historic win for friend and former team mate Weir, as Scottish Rugby marks the milestone for the Foundation, which has now committed almost £8 million to research projects across the UK.Townsend, 49, who played in multiple international matches with legendary lock Weir, including the famous victorious British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1997, said wearing the shirts – which will feature numbers in Doddie Tartan – will be like having him on the field with them.He said: “It’s of huge significance that Doddie will be at BT Murrayfield with us on Sunday.“It’s [Doddie’s attendance] to acknowledge what Doddie has done over the last five years, show our love for him and his fight against MND, and also it’s to remember that great night five years ago when he launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.“So many people in Scottish rugby feel they’ve been on this journey with him and I know he has inspired a lot of people to do things to raise money and probably change peoples lives.
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