SCOTTISH rugby is deep in mourning after it was announced legend Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61.
Hastings was part of the last Scotland team to win a Grand Slam when they triumphed in the 1990 Five Nations.
While playing for Watsonians in his home city of Edinburgh, he made 65 appearances for his country and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions.
His Grand Slam feat came alongside his older brother, Gavin, while he remains the most-capped male centre for Scotland of all-time.
Hastings was diagnosed and received treatment for incurable non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer in 2022.
A statement from his son, Corey, and daughter, Kerry-Anne, confirmed the sad news of his passing on Sunday.
It read: “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.”
Hastings hung up his boots in 1999, before moving into broadcasting as both a commentator and pundit.
He also became known for his charity work, with particularly noteworthy contributions in aid of mental health and motor neurone disease.
In tribute, Scottish rugby said of the news: “Scottish Rugby is immensely saddened to learn of the death earlier today of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre, Scott Hastings.”
Legendary former Scotland and Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan said: “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.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney posted: “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.”
