Scott Hastings, the former Scotland and British and Irish Lions centre, has died at the age of 61 after a four-year battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. His death occurred on what would have been his late wife Jenny's birthday, just two years after she went missing and was later found dead.
Hastings passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh on Sunday 17 May. A family statement released by Scottish Rugby said: 'Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings are saddened to inform you that Scott... passed away peacefully... This also marked his late wife Jenny's birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.'
Jenny Hastings disappeared while swimming at Wardle Bay in Edinburgh in 2024, after a long struggle with mental health issues. Her body was discovered on the couple's wedding anniversary. At the time, a family statement said she 'wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her.' Scott had previously spoken of missing her daily and described her as 'radiant and beautiful and outgoing' when well.
Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years, a record at the time, and represented the British and Irish Lions on 12 occasions across two tours. He also played 13 games for the Barbarians and remains Scotland's most capped male centre. He was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame in October 2024.
Tributes have been paid by former coaches and teammates. Sir Ian McGeechan recalled Hastings as 'single-minded and determined about winning,' while Gregor Townsend described him as 'an iconic figure for Scottish rugby' whose defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory was crucial. Scottish Rugby confirmed the flag will fly at half-mast in his honour.
