Rugby icon dies at 61 on late spouse’s birthday – household’s emotional assertion in full
Scottish rugby union great Scott Hastings has passed away
Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61, his family have confirmed (Image: PA)
Scott Hastings, regarded as one of Scotland’s finest rugby union talents, has passed away aged 61.
Together with his brother Gavin, the former centre played a key role in the most recent Scotland side to secure a Grand Slam, achieved during their victorious 1990 Five Nations campaign. By the time he stepped away from the sport around the turn of the millennium, he held the record as Scotland’s most-capped international player.
Hastings disclosed four years ago that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an illness that was incurable. His family announced on Sunday that he had died, stating that his health declined rapidly because of related complications.
In a statement, his son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.
“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday, which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected. More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
While playing club rugby for Watsonians in his native Edinburgh, Hastings earned 65 international caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions twice, in 1989 and 1993.
Following his retirement from playing in 1999, he went on to become a prominent rugby broadcaster, working as both a commentator and pundit.
He was also widely recognised for his charitable involvement, supporting causes including mental health awareness and motor neurone disease, among others.
Inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last year, Hastings is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest ever rugby union players.
Since news of his death broke, tributes from across the world of rugby have been pouring in. Former Scotland and Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan said poignantly: “Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.
“My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning. He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field.”
Current Scotland head coach and Hasting’s former team-mate, Gregor Townsend hailed him as an “iconic figure for Scottish rugby.”
“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 – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey,” 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, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”
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