Scotland and British and Irish Lions great Scott Hastings dies aged 61 as tributes paid

Former Scotland international and British and Irish Lions tourist Scott Hastings has died at age 61.

Hastings, alongside his brother Gavin, was part of the last Scotland side to win a Grand Slam. That came back in 1990 they triumphed in the Five Nations. Hastings earned 65 caps and twice toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1989 and 1993.

Four years ago Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which could not be cuted.

Hastings’ passing was confirmed by his son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne, who released a statement. 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.”

After retiring in 1999 Hastings became a well known known voice in the broadcasting world, regularly contributing as a commentator and pundit. He also did lots of charity work in aid of mental health and motor neurone disease.

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Last year he was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame and is viewed as one of Scotland’s greatest rugby union players.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, who was also a former team-mate of Hastings, said: “His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.

“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator. His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”