Scottish rugby great Scott Hastings dies aged 61

Scotland great Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61.

The British and Irish Lions centre won 65 caps in an 11-year Test career that began in 1986 and was part of the most recent Scotland team to win the Grand Slam in 1990.

A statement released by his son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne revealed that he died due to complications arising from cancer treatment.

Hastings announced in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday, May 17,” the statement read.

“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.”

Hastings, the younger brother of former Scotland captain Gavin, was selected for the 1989 and 1993 Lions tours and made two Test appearances against the Wallabies.

He made his international debut against France and hung up his boots after facing England in 1997. After retiring from the game, he became a well-respected broadcaster.

“My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me,” former Scotland and Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan said.

“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. I still remember the Grand Slam game against England in 1990.

“There was his Lions team-mate from the previous year, Jerry Guscott, in the England team, but Scott gave nothing away to him whatsoever.

“Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.”

Former England hooker Brian Moore, a team-mate of Hastings on his two Lions tours, told BBC Sport: “The man I got to know very well was a man of huge integrity, honesty and empathy.

“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.”

Another former team-mate, Ben Kay, paid tribute on TNT Sports, saying: “Just the nicest person to be on tour with, and around. My first ever Barbarians game, when I’d just started playing at Leicester, he was my captain and really introduced me to the ethos of Barbarians rugby.

“Absolutely heartbroken by the news – may he rest in peace.”

Austin Healey added on TNT: “When you commentated with him, he had an unbelievable positivity about him. His way to describe the game as well, and bring new people into watching it. He was great to work alongside and play against. What a man.”

First Minister John Swinney said he was “terribly saddened” by Hastings’ death, adding: “I know that Scott will be sorely missed by all who knew him and by those who admired him. His achievements, his sportsmanship and his extensive charity work will remain an inspiration to many.”