Scott Hastings died on late wife’s birthday two years after she vanished

Rugby is mourning the loss of Scott Hastings, who lost his wife less than two years ago in tragic circumstances

Tributes have poured in for Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings as it emerged he died on what would have been his late wife’s birthday.

Hastings’ passing was announced on Sunday after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The tragic news came on what would have been wife Jenny’s 62nd birthday. Jenny went missing in the water at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh during the summer of 2024 after going for a swim. Her body was found in the area five days later on the couple’s wedding anniversary. She took her own life after a 20-year battle with depression.

After her death, Hastings would visit and swim in the bay where she vanished every week, bravely speaking about his loss as he fought his own health issues.

“When she was well, she was radiant and beautiful and outgoing,” he told the BBC last year. “But to see somebody suffer poor mental health was a challenge.

“The fact that we swim where she went for her final swim, it’s very reflective and resonant,” he said.

“I’m not disguising the fact that it’s tough sometimes.”

News of Hastings’ death has saddened the rugby world, with former Lions room-mate Brian Moore giving a heartfelt tribute on live TV during his final broadcast.

World Rugby said in a statement: “World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.

“One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph. A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field.

“Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.”

In 2022, Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment for incurable non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In a statement shared by Scottish Rugby, Hastings’ children Corey and Kerry-Anne confirmed that their father had passed away after “deteriorating extremely quickly” following complications with 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 read.

“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.”