THE Scottish and Welsh rugby unions have bowed to public pressure and agreed to make a "six figure" joint payment to the My Name'5 Doddie foundation after Saturday's match between the countries in Doddie Weir's honour.
The teams will compete for the Doddie Weir Cup and the man himself is expected to join his family on the field during the match build-up – all of which will raise awareness of his charity's campaign to help find a cure for motor neurone disease, which he was diagnosed with two years ago.
The unions were reacting to a public outcry after it was revealed that initially there had been no plans for a direct contribution. Many fans said they thought that when they bought tickets they were helping pay for a donation.
"We have listened to the feedback from the rugby family in relation to extending our support around the autumn test match in Cardiff and have partnered with the WRU in a commitment to guarantee the Foundation receives a six-figure donation," read a statement from the Scottish Union issued late last night.
“We are happy to provide a further level of support to Doddie and his foundation through this initiative and to mirror the generosity of fans.”
The WRU issued a similar statement at the same time and Scott Hastings, chairman of the fund's trustees, added his appreciation of the gesture. "Their commitment to donate directly to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation underlines the continued support and generosity we have received from both unions and the wider rugby community,” he said.
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