Doddie Weir’s son Hamish scored incredible try of the season for his team

Thursday, 27 February 2025 at 09:37

byRugby Rucker

Before his heartbreaking passing in November 2022, Scottish rugby icon Doddie Weir had the privilege of watching his eldest son, Hamish, pull on the famous black and yellow of Melrose.

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But while Hamish has inherited his dad’s towering frame, he’s no second-row enforcer—far from it. Instead, he’s making a name for himself in the backline, regularly featuring on the wing or at fullback thanks to his electric pace and raw power.

A Melrose legend

Doddie Weir’s own playing career saw him star for Melrose between 1989 and 1995 before earning 61 caps for Scotland. He became one of the sport’s most beloved characters, known just as much for his sense of humour and outrageous tartan suits as his performances on the pitch.

A battle bigger than rugby

In 2016, Weir was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a cruel condition with no known cure. Instead of stepping back, he tackled the disease head-on, launching the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in 2017. Over the years, his foundation has raised millions for MND research, funding crucial scientific breakthroughs and providing support to those affected by the disease.

A lasting impact

Weir’s fight against MND captured the hearts of rugby fans worldwide, with his influence extending far beyond the sport. His relentless fundraising efforts and larger-than-life personality made him a true icon, and his foundation continues to push for a cure in his name.

Try of the season: Melrose Storm

Excellent Sevens Try:

Doddie Weir revealed his five toughest opponents - includes his hero

RUCK takes a look at who legendary Doddie Weir selected as the toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.

The former Scotland international, whose charity the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has raised more than £5m for MND research, played with and against some of the best players of all-time.

The ranking you see is made up of players Doddie Weir singled out for praise in his Autobiography, My Name'5 DODDIE.

#5. Scott Quinnell (Wales)

Major teams British and Irish Lions, Richmond, Wales
Position No. 8
All Tests 55

He was a cross-code star of the 1990’s, representing Wales in both Union and League. His Test debut came against Canada in 1993, but it was against France in 1994, as Wales were on their way to the Five Nations title, that he announced himself with a stunning solo try. He retired in 2005 to focus on coaching Llanelli, before later becoming a well-liked television pundit.

Weir said: "I've known Scotty for a long time, as a rival, as a fellow tourist, as a pundit, and a lot of hospitality functions. He was the complete player."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of legendary Wales flanker Derek Quinnell

#4. Simon Shaw (England)

Major teams Barbarians, British and Irish Lions, Toulon, Wasps, England
Position Lock
All Tests 73

The powerhouse played for Bristol, London Wasps and Toulon. He won 71 caps for England between 1996 and 2011, and two for the British & Irish Lions, with whom he toured 3 times.

Weir said: "I think he is one of the most underrated players in recent history. He had everything."

DID YOU KNOW? Shaw was born 1 September 1973 in Nairobi, Kenya

#3. Richard Hill (England)

Major teams British and Irish Lions, Saracens, England
Position Back-row
All Tests 76

Hill played 288 times for Saracens and 71 times for England making him one of the modern greats of the English game. He also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions between 1997 and 2005.

Weir said: "He was fantastic guy and a terrific player, someone I got to know really well on that trip (1997 Lion). But in terms of bedroom manners, he was abysmal."

DID YOU KNOW? On his mother's side, Hill is a second cousin removed of film director Peter Jackson, who directed The Lord of the Rings

#2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Major teams New Zealand
Position Wing
All Tests 63

The giant All Blacks wing was rugby's first global star. He burst on the scene at the 1995 World Cup with some of the most destructive performances the rugby world had ever seen and with professionalism in its infancy Lomu became rugby's first millionaire.

Weir said: "He took the 1995 World Cup by storm. There were plenty of players who were six foot five and nearly nineteen stone, but none I knew who could run the 100m sprint in 11 seconds."

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored tries against every major test playing nation in World Rugby except South Africa (12 matches) and Wales (3 matches)

#1. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

Major teams Blue Bulls, Bulls, South Africa
Position Scrum-half
All Tests: 89

Regarded as one of the greatest scrum-halves the game has ever seen, Van der Westhuizen was capped a total of 89 times during a 10-year international career and was a key member of the Springboks side that lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Weir said: "From a rival who almost single-handedly ended my career as an international number 8, to a standard-bearer in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, and, eventually, a victim of this cruel disease. He was unstoppable on his day."