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Rugby legend dies aged 61 on late wife's birthday after cancer battle

Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61 after battling incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, passing away on what would have been his late wife Jenny's birthday.

[A man and a woman are seated together on a couch, accompanied by a brown dog. They appear to be engaged in a relaxed conversation while holding the dog. The couch is adorned with various cushions, and in the background, there is a bookshelf and other household items.]

Hastings has passed away 18 months on from the death of his beloved wife Jenny(Image: Daily Record/Sunday Mail)

Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings has passed away aged 61 following a battle with cancer.

The two-time British and Irish Lions player was amongst the finest Scottish players ever to grace the game, earning 65 caps for his nation and frequently partnering with his older brother Gavin.

He was also a member of the last Scotland team to claim a Grand Slam when they triumphed in the Five Nations championship in 1990, subsequently transitioning into broadcasting as a commentator and pundit. He died on Sunday, which would have been his late wife Jenny's birthday.

[Scott died on Sunday]

Scott died on Sunday(Image: SWNS.com)

She passed away in October 2024 after disappearing while swimming in the waters at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh.

In 2022, Hastings disclosed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment for incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, reports Wales Online.

In a statement released by Scottish Rugby, Hastings' children Corey and Kerry-Anne confirmed their father had died after "deteriorating extremely quickly" due to complications with his treatment.

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

"This also marked his late wife Jenny's birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.

[Scott (right) playing against England]

Scott (right) playing against England(Image: Getty Images)

"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," added Hastings' children.

"More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott's incredible life."

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