Scott Hastings, the most-capped Scotland centre of all time, has passed away aged 61 on the birthday of his late wife Jenny, who vanished two years ago. The former British & Irish Lions star died peacefully in hospital after complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, his family confirmed.
Hastings’s wife Jenny disappeared while swimming at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh in 2024, following a two-decade struggle with mental health. Her body was found on the couple’s wedding anniversary. Scott Hastings had spoken publicly of missing her every day and of the challenge of witnessing her poor mental health.
A family statement released by Scottish Rugby said: “Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings are saddened to inform you that Scott… passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May. This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.”
Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years, a record at the time, and played for the Lions on two tours. He was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October. Former coach Sir Ian McGeechan recalled Hastings as “single-minded and determined” while ex-team-mate Gregor Townsend called him “an iconic figure”.
The flag at Scottish Gas Murrayfield will fly at half-mast in tribute. Hastings’s family have asked for privacy to mourn.
