Scott Hastings: tributes pour in from across rugby world and beyond for 'wonderful person'

The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed the sad news on Sunday, with current and former national team bosses Gregor Townsend and Sir Ian McGeechan leading the obituary with their memories and condolences. The former record cap holder was just 61-years-old at the time of his death and had been battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Since then there have been numerous messages shared across various digital and social media channels not just from ex-players but also members of the broadcasting industry where Hastings found a second career in rugby following his retirement as a player. One man who knew him well as both a player and a commentator was ex-England hooker Brian Moore who teamed with Hastings on both the 1989 and 1993 British & Irish Lions tours.

Former British & Irish Lions hooker delivers heartfelt Scott Hastings tribute live on air

Moore delivered a heartfelt message live on air during the coverage of the Women’s Six Nations fixture between France and England, saying: “I got to know Scott Hastings well on two Lions tours. He was a room mate of mine on several occasions.

“The man I got to know very well was a man of huge integrity, honesty and empathy. As a testament to any human being’s legacy that’s all that you can say.

“As a player, his partnership with Jeremy Guscott was seminal in beating Australia in 1989 and the one thing that you always got with Scott was that, in extremis, or when you were on top, that he would give nothing less than his very best.

“It didn’t mean to say that he always got it right but you knew he would never let you down for effort. 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 that rugby is much the poorer for his passing but very much the better for his being.”

Also paying tribute to Hastings was First Minister John Swinney who wrote: “I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died. One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship.I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield. My deepest sympathy to his family.”

Here are a selection of messages from former players, teammates, rugby officials and broadcasters:

John Barclay, former Scotland captain: “A smile and a laugh that lit up every room. Infectious energy. You’re missed already Scotty.”

Jason Leonard, former England prop and 1993 British & Irish Lions tourist: “So devastated to hear the very sad news about Scott. A brilliant opponent, amazing teammate & a wonderful friend. Much love to the whole Hastings Family.”

Will Carling, former England centre and 1993 British & Irish Lions tourist: “Stunned to hear this. One of the great Scottish players and such a good man to be around. Tragic that he has gone. Unbelievably sad.”

Nigel Owens, former referee: “Very very sad news . A wonderful person. Sincere condolences to all the family.”

Dougie Donnelly, broadcaster: “Devastating , heartbreaking news about a dear friend who was always such joyous and uplifting company. A wonderful player, outstanding broadcaster but most importantly a lovely man and superb company who is now reunited with his beloved Jenny. Linda and I send our love to Corey, Kerry Anne and all the family. Rest in peace old friend.”

Andrew Cotter, broadcaster: “What sad news. An outstanding player - skilled and hard as nails. But more than that a lovely, warm man.”

Jamie Lyall, commentator: “A wonderful, selfless and relentlessly positive soul. Took so much in his stride with courage, strength and good humour. Adored his family and cared deeply about his colleagues. One of our country's finest players and a brilliant broadcaster. RIP Scott Hastings.”

Various Rugby Unions and clubs pay tribute to Scott Hastings

There were also a number of statements released on behalf of various club sides, international unions and more. Most prominent was that of Watsonian FC, the team for which Hastings played over 200 times and was very much still associated with till his final days.

They wrote: “Everyone at the Watsonian Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Scott Hastings, a true great of world rugby, who put the same passion and energy into Watsonians as he did his stellar international career. He was hugely important to our 150th anniversary celebrations last year, organising commemorative shirts, producing the book of the club's history and starring at the dinner in November.

“We knew he was unwell, but he remained optimistic and enthusiastic at all times, and was a true inspiration in everything he did. Our deepest condolences and love are with his children Corey and Kerry-Anne and all the Hastings family at this saddest of times.

“Scott is simply irreplaceable. Ex Corde Caritas.”

Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors both sent out messages as did the Unions for England, Ireland, Wales and Barbarians. World Rugby also posted a message detailing his impact on the game.

They wrote: “World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings. One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph.

“A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field. Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.”

Finally, there was also a tribute from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for which Hastings, a teammate of the late Doddie Weir, was the first ever Chair. They posted: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings. Scott was our first chair at My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”

Melrose Sevens confirm minutes silence to be held this weekend

This weekend’s Melrose Sevens will include a minute’s silence for Hastings who had a rich history with the famous competition. A statement from the organisers said: “We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Scott Hastings, one of Scotland’s greats and a player who also left his mark at the Home of Sevens.

“In 1996, Scott captained Watsonians to victory at the Melrose Sevens; a day he described as one of the most special of his career, with that winner’s medal holding pride of place among his many achievements. Scott was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October, and his unwavering love for the game in his acceptance speech left the audience utterly spellbound. He loved the seven-a-side game and was incredibly proud of capturing that coveted Melrose Sevens medal.

“Despite an illustrious career with Scotland and the British & Irish Lions, Scott always spoke of the importance of the club game and what moments like Melrose meant to him. A minute’s silence will be observed before Watsonians’ first tie on Saturday in his memory. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the wider rugby community at this time.”

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