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Smith to wear special jersey as Scotland remember Hastings
Scotland will pay tribute to Scott Hastings at Murrayfield on Saturday when they host Fiji in their final Nations Championship game of the season, with centre Ollie Smith wearing a specially adapted number 13 jersey in the late player's honour. Hastings, one of Scotland's most celebrated and best-loved players, died suddenly in May aged 61, prompting widespread tributes from across the rugby world. Head coach Gregor Townsend said the gesture was designed to keep Hastings' legacy visible to supporters both in the stadium and watching on television.
Smith's shirt will feature the number 13 rendered in gold, with the names of the teams Hastings represented and some of his career achievements worked into the design. Hastings won a then-record 65 caps for Scotland, starred in the 1990 Grand Slam triumph over England, and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, in 1989 and 1993. He was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last autumn, and around 50,000 spectators are expected at Murrayfield for what has become an emotionally charged occasion.
In short
- Ollie Smith to wear gold-numbered 13 jersey honouring Scott Hastings
- Hastings, Scotland great, died suddenly in May aged 61
- Tribute comes before Scotland's Nations Championship finale v Fiji
Explained simply
Scott Hastings was one of Scotland's greatest rugby players until his sudden death in May at the age of 61. The rugby community held him in high regard, with his passing prompting widespread tributes.
Hastings' international career was remarkable, making 65 appearances for Scotland—a record at the time. He was crucial to Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam triumph when they won all their matches, and also represented the British and Irish Lions, an elite touring side, in 1989 and 1993.
Hastings was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last autumn. He remains widely regarded as one of the greatest players Scotland has ever produced.