Rugby: Welsh and Scottish Rugby Union pledge donation of profits to Doddie Weir foundation

NZ Herald

29 Oct, 2018 09:56 PM3 mins to read

Doddie Weir during the Zurich Premiership match. Photo / Getty

The Welsh and Scottish Rugby Union have announced they will donate a six-figure sum to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation after an uproar of criticism from fans.

Wales and Scotland will clash for the newly established Doddie Weir Cup on Sunday in support the Doddie Weir Foundation to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease.

The Welsh and Scottish Rugby Union joined forces in support of Doddie's foundation launching an awareness and fundraising campaign when the fixture was announced in January.

However, fans were angered when it was revealed that the two unions would not donate a percentage of the expected £3million (NZD$5.9 million) profit from the game to the charity threatening on social media to boycott the match.

The Doddie Weir Cup next weekend in Cardiff. No gate receipts are being paid to the Doddie Weir MND foundation even though they are using his name to ensure there's more attendance
— Dave Johnstone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@BigDaveJ1314) October 28, 2018

Feel that both the @WelshRugbyUnion & @Scotlandteam could both put some money in the pot to help the @MNDoddie5 with a cash injection as well as supporting by naming the Cup. No doubt many fans having their own say! Update from the foundation belowhttps://t.co/1F04pZqRXa
— EventsNWales - Promoting Events in Wales (@EventsNWales) October 28, 2018

How can you play a rugby match for the "Doddie Weir Cup" and give not a penny to the Doddie Weir fund? Eh, @Scotlandteam ?
— Mrs K (@one_mrs_k) October 27, 2018

But with what appears to be a change in heart, both Unions have confirmed they will each donate to the charity, alongside existing fundraising events, on concourses and at the point of ticket purchase, with a contribution of their own.

A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said they had listened to the feedback from fans and were pleased to announce a six-figure sum would be donated.

"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.

"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."

A Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson also said they had listened to supporters feedback and wanted to support the foundation in the best way they could.

"Whilst our initial motivation in supporting the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation was to help raise awareness for the fight against MND and the Foundations' fundraising campaign, we have decided to make a direct donation.

"Together with the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Scottish Rugby we put together a thorough and careful plan in support of a hugely deserving cause with all the best intentions.

"The intention was always to celebrate a great man of the world game and it feels appropriate that we reflect the generosity of the rugby family with our own contribution."