Rugby is mourning the loss of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre Scott Hastings, who passed away peacefully on Sunday 17 May at the age of 61.
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In a family statement, they said: “This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.”
They also thanked staff at the Western General Hospital ICU, saying: “Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General Hospital ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.”
Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland across an 11-year international career, a national record at the time, and represented the British & Irish Lions on two tours. A proud Watsonian and Edinburgh player, he remains Scotland’s most-capped male centre.
Former Scotland and Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan paid tribute to Hastings’ leadership and determination.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead,” he said. “He was so single-minded and determined about winning.
“What ever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.”
Current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend described Hastings as “an iconic figure for Scottish rugby” during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland,” Townsend said.
“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.
“His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby.”
Former Scotland international Kenny Logan, who worked alongside Hastings with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, praised his commitment and generosity.
“Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up,” Logan said. “His energy was incredible.”
Born in Edinburgh in 1964, Hastings made his Scotland debut against France in 1986 and played his final international against England in 1997. He later became one of the most recognisable voices in Scottish rugby broadcasting.
Scottish Rugby said the flag at Scottish Gas Murrayfield would fly at half-mast in his memory.
Across the rugby world, tributes have poured in as players, coaches and supporters reflected on Hastings’ impact both on and off the field.
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