ENGLISH rugby club the Newcastle Falcons will wear special Doddie Weir shirts in a match later this month.

On Saturday, March 24, Doddie’s former club will host the Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.

And to help to raise money for the former Scotland star’s foundation, the club have sold hundreds of the limited edition jerseys to fans – with all of the proceeds going to the cause.

The Falcons normally play their home matches at Kingston Park, but for a one off, will play the fixture at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park – in front of around 18,000 supporters.

Doddie, who played for the club from 1995 until 2002, said: “I’ve been involved with the Falcons for a number of years and I’m very excited. 

“I was here [in Newcastle] for a couple of games at the World Cup and what a great atmosphere there was at St James Park, so hopefully we can emulate that in some way.

“I think what is exciting a lot of Falcons players and supporters is, they maybe never thought this could happen so I’m delighted that St James’ Park and the Falcons have got together and put this game on.”
Money will also be collected for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation on the day outside the ground.

A spokesperson for the Falcons told the Border Telegraph: “The shirts were always due to be a limited edition and we have been blown away by the demand. 

“We will also be doing a bucket collection for Doddie at the stadium on the day and there are certain tickets for the game which see half the money (after VAT) donated to his foundation.”

Doddie launched his foundation to raise awareness of, and funds for research into, Motor Neuron Disease after being diagnosed with the debilitating condition last year.