The late Doddie Weir’s delivery of the match ball before Scotland v New Zealand in 2017 has been voted as the greatest moment in Murrayfield’s 100-year history.
Thousands of supporters took part in a nationwide poll and former Scotland lock Weir’s walk on to the pitch with sons Angus, Ben and Hamish garnered the most backing (42.8%). A crowd of 67,000 watched as Scotland lost narrowly to New Zealand in 2017.
British and Irish Lions cap Weir passed away in 2022, five years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
Fans could vote for two other options – Scotland’s 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam triumph and the record 130,000 crowd that watched the Scots defeat Wales in 1975. The shortlist was compiled from supporter suggestions by Sir Ian McGeechan, Chris Paterson, Mike Blair and Dee Bradley.
“Doddie had the honour of wearing the thistle at Murrayfield and winning 35 of his 61 caps there for the national team,” said Weir’s wife, Kathy. “He also played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens there in 1993, so Murrayfield will always be a truly special place for us.
“That was underlined, too, when Doddie had retired as a player. He loved mixing with people and leapt at the chance to meet folk and have a right laugh as he hosted hospitality at the stadium for many years.
“To hear that supporters have described the match ball presentation he did with Hamish, Angus, and Ben before the game against New Zealand in 2017 as their favourite memory in the stadium’s 100th year is incredibly humbling.”
John Barclay captained Scotland that day and commented: “You could sense the energy, the emotion, the connection between Doddie and everyone in that stadium. It’s my favourite memory of Murrayfield.”