Scott Hastings, Scotland rugby great, dies at 61

Scott Hastings, one of Scotland's most respected rugby union players, has died at age 61.

Hastings and his brother Gavin were members of the last Scotland team to win a Grand Slam, beating England in the 1990 Five Nations.

In 2022 Hastings said he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The cancer could not be cured.

His son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne released a statement on Sunday confirming his death.

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

"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," it added.

The family asked for privacy while they process the loss. Further details will be released later to mark his life.

Hastings played club rugby for Watsonians in Edinburgh and won 65 caps for Scotland. He toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1989 and 1993.

After retiring in 1999 he worked as a rugby commentator and pundit. He also supported charities focused on mental health and motor neurone disease.

Last year he was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame.

Current Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and former coach Sir Ian McGeechan paid tribute.

"Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better," McGeechan said.

"My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time," he added.

"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."

Townsend called Hastings an "iconic figure for Scottish rugby."

"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," Townsend said.

"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," he added.