Tartan tribute: Fans encouraged to celebrate life of Doddie

Edinburgh Rugby fans have been called upon to turn out in tartan this Friday night as the club celebrates the life of Doddie Weir OBE at its BKT URC match against Munster at DAM Health Stadium.

The 61-cap Scotland and British & Irish Lion passed away at the weekend, as his heroic battle against Motor Neuron Disease came to a close.

Since diagnosis, his indomitable bravery and spirit captivated the global rugby community and beyond, helping raising millions of pounds to fund research projects and raise awareness of the tragic disease.

Supporters at Friday night’s match are encouraged to wear tartan garments – particularly those of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation itself – to bring colour to the match, where a moment’s applause will be held in his memory before kick-off.

Club ‘Blue Crew’ volunteers will be on stand-by at the ‘Oor Doddie’ statue at the south-west corner of BT Murrayfield Stadium, handing out Doddie Weir tartan headbands when evidence (i.e., a screenshot) of a confirmed donation to the foundation is shown.

Donations can be made in advance here or using the QR codes present on the night.

Edinburgh Rugby players will also sport the popular Doddie ‘snood’ in the warm-up for the match as they support the launch of the next ‘Doddie Aid’ – a virtual mass-participation exercise event – which kicks off in January.

Fans can get their hands on the sought-after snood by signing up and competing for ‘Team Edinburgh’ as part of the event – which the club will once again be supporting this year.

Sign up for Doddie Aid: onelink.to/536j6n

The club will carry ‘My Name5 Doddie’ on all social media graphics this week and will be promoting Doddie Aid sign-ups in all match-day posts.

Douglas Struth, Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Doddie Weir – a colossus of the game in so many ways.

“The burden of responsibility on us and the rugby community is now more important than ever to continue his incredible fight against MND.

“It would be lovely to see the colours of his – or indeed any – tartans around the ground as we pay tribute to the great man and rally a surge of sign-up for Doddie Aid and continue the fight against MND in his memory.”