Scottish rugby great Scott Hastings dies aged 61

Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings has died aged 61.

A statement released by the former Scotland centre’s family confirmed he died on Sunday morning following complications arising from cancer treatment.

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

He won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years, a record at the time, and represented the British & Irish Lions on two tours, to Australia in 1989 and New Zealand in 1993.

Born in Edinburgh on December 4 1964, Hastings progressed from school rugby through Watsonians and Newcastle Northern. He made his debut for Edinburgh District against North & Midlands in November 1985.

He retired from international rugby in 1997 as Scotland’s most capped player at the time and remains the most capped centre. After retiring, he became a rugby broadcaster and commentator.

Hastings was also involved in charitable work, including with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

He was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October.

Hastings revealed in 2022 he was undergoing treatment for non‑Hodgkin lymphoma.

In a statement this afternoon, 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.”

A statement from Scottish Rugby said: “Scottish Rugby is immensely saddened to learn of the death earlier today of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre, Scott Hastings. He was 61.

“Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years (a record at that time), represented the British & Irish Lions on 12 occasions on two tours and played 13 games for the Barbarians.

“A proud Watsonian, he also wore the Edinburgh jersey with such distinction. He remains the most-capped Scotland male centre of all-time. But those stellar stats tell far from the whole story.”

The flag will fly at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in tribute.