Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings dies at 61

He earned 65 caps for his country and was a central figure in the national side throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, often featuring alongside his elder brother, Gavin Hastings.

Along with his 12 appearances for the British and Irish Lions, he was also part of the Scotland team who secured the 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam, the country's last championship clean sweep to date.

After retiring from professional rugby, Hastings moved into broadcasting, where he worked as a respected commentator and pundit.

Ben Kay was working as a pundit for TNT Sports on Sunday as Leicester Tigers beat Sale Sharks, with news of Hastings' passing arriving towards the end of the coverage.

Kay said: "I worked with him quite a lot as a commentator, during the England v Scotland games and World Cups, just the nicest person to be on tour with and around.

"In my first ever Barbarians game, when I just sort of started playing at Leicester, he was my captain, and he really introduced me to the ethos of Barbarians rugby. So I'm absolutely heartbroken by the news and may he rest in peace."

Fellow TNT Sports pundit Austin Healey said: "When you commentated with him, he had an unbelievable positivity about him.

"He had a way of describing the game as well and bringing new people into watching the sport. It was great to work alongside and play against. What a man."

In 2022, Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with incurable non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and had been undergoing treatment since.

His children, Corey and Kerry-Anne, confirmed his death in a statement issued through Scottish Rugby, saying he had died after "deteriorating extremely quickly" following complications related to 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 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.

"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," Hastings' children added.

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