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.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 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:
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Three Lions Players Who've Underperformed – and Who Should Replace Them
The British & Irish Lions roared back into action with a bang – or at least a bounce – after their opening 28-24 defeat in Dublin.
That loss to Argentina had its moments of flair, but also plenty of rust, sloppiness, and sweat under the unusually sunny skies at a packed-out Aviva Stadium.
Fast forward to Perth, and Andy Farrell's men got their campaign properly up and running with a commanding 54-7 win over the Western Force. But while the scoreboard looked much healthier, not everything under the hood is running smoothly – especially when it comes to squad selection.
Let’s get stuck in…
❌ Jac Morgan – Great for Wales, But Not Lion-Level?
Jac Morgan might be Wales’ top dog, but let’s not sugarcoat it – Wales are miles off the pace, and Morgan’s inclusion raises eyebrows.
With Toulouse’s Jack Willis sipping champagne in France after lifting the Top 14 trophy, it borders on a rugby crime that he's not on this tour.
Willis is widely tipped as the best back-rower in world rugby right now – ferocious at the breakdown, relentless in defence, and dynamic with ball in hand.
The Lions are supposed to be the cream of the crop. Morgan? Good player, no doubt. But Lions quality? Not quite.
❓ Jack Conan – The Lone 8? Really?
Here’s a head-scratcher. Farrell only picked one out-and-out number 8… and it’s a guy who doesn’t even start regularly for his country.
Jack Conan is solid – he was excellent in South Africa – but with this depth of talent available, it’s a baffling call.
Tom Willis is a wrecking ball in red-hot form, and Taulupe Faletau, if fit, is one of the most complete and underappreciated players of his generation.
It’s not that Conan’s a bad player – far from it – but in this company, he looks like a safe option in a team that should be fearless.
? Luke Cowan-Dickie – Rusty and Costly
It took just minutes for Luke Cowan-Dickie to provide the first big “oh no” moment of the 2025 tour.
A fumble at the tail of a driving maul gifted the Force the opening try – not exactly what you want from your senior hooker.
In truth, LCD hasn’t looked like the same player since his injury woes.
Compare him to Jamie George, who’s currently captaining England with authority, or even Wales’ Dewi Lake, who brings grunt and reliability in equal measure, and you start to wonder: how is Cowan-Dickie top of that hooker pile?