Scott Hastings, Scotland rugby union great, dies aged 61

Scotland’s 1990 grand slam-winning centre Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61, his family have announced, four years after he revealed he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hastings won 65 caps for his country and played in two Tests on the victorious 1989 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, as well as being in the squad that toured New Zealand in 1993. He made his international debut in January 1986 against France, alongside his elder brother, Gavin, the first of 51 Scotland games the centre and full-back pair played together.

A statement from Scott’s children said: “Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings are saddened to inform you that Scott, the Scotland and British and Irish Lions centre, 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.”

Hastings was educated at George Watson’s college and played for their alumni side, Watsonians, for more than 20 years. He was 21 when he made his international debut and helped Scotland to a share of the old Five Nations title at his first attempt. He was selected for the inaugural World Cup in 1987 and for the 1991 and 1995 editions too. But the 1990 victory against England to secure the grand slam was arguably his finest hour, with one key tackle on Rory Underwood preserving his side’s advantage.

In his tribute the Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, referenced that effort, saying: “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.

“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition. A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player.”

He played four years for Edinburgh after the game went professional and later enjoyed a successful career as a rugby broadcaster.