Tributes to Scottish rugby ace Scott Hastings who dies on day of his late wife's birthday

By GRAHAM GRANT, SCOTTISH HOME AFFAIRS EDITOR Published: 20:14, 17 May 2026 | Updated: 20:14, 17 May 2026 Rugby legend Scott Hastings has died after a four-year cancer battle – on the day of his late wife’s birthday. Mr Hastings, 61, was a member of Scotland’s famous Grand Slam-winning team of 1990 alongside older brother Gavin. His wife Jenny vanished while swimming in 2024 at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh after a two-decade struggle with her mental health. Scotland’s most capped centre, Mr Hastings had been treated for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer which affects white blood cells. A statement issued by his children Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings said their father had ‘passed away peacefully surrounded by family’ on Sunday morning (May 17). It 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 Hospital 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.‘ Mr Hastings revealed back in 2022 that he was undergoing treatment Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years Scott Hastings, 61,  passed away on Sunday morning surrounded by his family Capped 65 times by Scotland, he twice toured with the British & Irish Lions, to Australia in 1989 and New Zealand four years later. He retired from international rugby in 1997 as Scotland’s most capped player - and remains the most capped centre. Mr Hastings went on to commentate on rugby for a number of broadcasters, including BT Sport, Sky Sports, ITV, and BBC. Speaking last year, he told how he returned every week to the bay where his ‘beautiful, radiant’ wife Jenny, 60, took her life in September 2024. Her body was discovered on September 7 – the couple’s wedding anniversary. Mr Hastings said: ‘I miss Jenny every day. ‘She had this amazing connection with people and probably concentrated on other people’s health rather than her own mental health.’ A statement from Scottish Rugby said: ‘Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years (a record at that time), represented the British & Irish Lions on 12 occasions on two tours and played 13 games for the Barbarians. ‘A proud Watsonian, he also wore the Edinburgh jersey with such distinction. He remains the most-capped Scotland male centre of all-time. ‘But those stellar stats tell far from the whole story.‘ Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach 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. ‘We came in together and we grew together. ‘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. Scott Hastings passed away on his late wife Jenny's birthday Scott Hastings and his beloved wife Jenny on their wedding day ‘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.’ Current Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: ‘In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was 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 – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.’ Another of Scott’s former international team-mates, Kenny Logan, worked closely with Mr Hastings when the Doddie Foundation was established, after Doddie Weir, a fellow former Scotland and Lions player, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Mr Logan said: ‘Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. ‘I worked with him while he was chair of the Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. ‘He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.’ Mr Hastings was inducted to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October. The flag will fly at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in tribute. *For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit your nearest branch or go to www.samaritans.org No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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