Scotland rugby great Scott Hastings dies at 61

One of Scotland's best and most loved rugby union players, Scott Hastings, has died at age 61.

Hastings, alongside his brother Gavin, was part of the last Scotland side to win a Grand Slam when they triumphed in the 1990 Five Nations.

In 2022 Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which could not be cured.

A statement on Sunday from Hastings' son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne confirmed his death.

"We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May," it said.

"This also marked his late wife Jenny's birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe 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 hometown of Edinburgh, Hastings earned 65 caps and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions in 1989 and 1993.

After ending his rugby career in 1999, Hastings became a well known rugby broadcaster, both as a commentator and pundit.

He was also known for his charity work in aid of mental health, motor neurone disease, and plenty of other causes.

Inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last year, Hastings is considered as one of Scotland's greatest rugby union players.

Current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and former Scotland and Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan were among those to pay tribute to Hastings.

"Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better," said McGeechan.

"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."

Former Scotland team-mate Townsend hailed Hastings 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," he 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."

Kenny Logan worked closely with Hastings when their former team-mate Doddie Weir was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, with the pair helping raise money in the fight to find a cure for the illness.

Logan said: "Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible.

"I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Scott's role wasn't just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit."

Former England hooker Brian Moore was a team-mate of Hastings on his two Lions tours, including the series win over Australia.

"The man I got to know very well was a man of huge integrity, honesty and empathy," Moore said.

"His partnership with Jeremy Guscott was seminal to beating Australia in 1989.

"The one thing you always got with Scott - you knew in extremis or when you were on top he would give nothing less than his very best.

"Those of you who did know Scott know what we've lost. Those of you in the wider rugby world who didn't know him - let me just say rugby is much the poorer for his passing, but very much the better for his being."

Hastings made his name in the amateur era of rugby, playing for Watsonians and Edinburgh district sides before making his Scotland debut in 1986.

He and his older brother Gavin both made their first international appearances against France that year and went on to have successful Scotland careers.

Hastings started the 1990 Grand Slam decider and made a famous, shuddering tackle on England winger Rory Underwood as Scotland triumphed 13-7 at Murrayfield.

On the Lions tour of Australia in 1989, the centre started two of the three Test matches but was denied the chance to do the same in New Zealand four years later when his trip was cut short due to a shattered cheekbone.

When rugby union went professional in 1995, he captained Edinburgh and after retiring became a familiar face on TV for his energetic and upbeat commentary and punditry.

Hastings was also a strong advocate for mental health charities with his wife Jenny, who died after living with depression for 20 years.