Former Scotland, British & Irish Lions and Watsonians centre Scott Hastings died in May, and the rugby world has celebrated all the passion and energy he brought to the game, whether on the field or off, given his broadcasting after his playing retirement.
Tomorrow will be the first Scotland game at Scottish Gas Murrayfield since Hastings’ passing. In addition to a big screen tribute and an opportunity for supporters to join in a moment’s applause, the Scotland team are leading the appreciation.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: “We have thought about what we can do to make sure Scott’s legacy as a Scotland player is on show.
“We are highlighting his number; number 13. The iconic images I have of Scott when I was a supporter is of him playing in that number 13 jersey against England in the Grand Slam game in 1990.
“The message we want to send out is ‘Scott, you wore the number 13 jersey for so many years.’ We will have that number in gold. It will stand out.
Pictured: Ollie Smith will don the famous 13 jersey for Scotland’s match against Fiji tomorrow.
“I think it will be a great moment for supporters to show their appreciation before the game and see his legacy during it.”
Scotland’s centre tomorrow Ollie Smith will wear the number 13 jersey, which has some very special additional detail.
Contained within the digits ‘1’ and ‘3’ are words so associated with Scott: British & Irish Lions; Grand Slam 1990; Watsonians; Barbarians, Scotland, Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame; and Melrose 7s.
The digit ‘3’ also contains, Scott’s initials, the Scotland thistle and Scott’s unique Scotland cap number, 848.
After the match, the Scotland players will sign the jersey, and it will be donated to Scott’s family who will use it to support one of the many charities with which Scott was associated.
Scott’s brothers, Gavin and Graeme, and son Corey, will be at the game tomorrow.
Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings said: “As part of Dad’s acceptance speech at last year’s Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame dinner, Dad shared the following: ‘This game gives us everything in life. It gives us respect. It gives us love, it gives us support, and I’m indebted to Scottish Rugby. It’s given me everything in my life to be the person I am … But make sure you just put a little bit more back’.
“This sentiment was passed on to us both as Scott’s children. We thank Scottish Rugby for all their support throughout our lifetime, and particularly the last few weeks and into the future.
“That gratitude extends to our family, friends, communities, and fans of the game who have shown so much respect, love and support to us following Dad’s passing. We see and take strength in his legacy and encourage everyone to continue doing so by giving back with empathy and love both on and off the pitch.”
Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s game, which kicks-off at 2.10pm and can be purchased via the Scottish Rugby website: https://scottishrugby.org/
