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My Name'5 Doddie: The Autobiography
There has never been anyone quite like Doddie Weir. A giant of the game and a rugby icon, his unique story is charged with a passion for living life to the full. In a rugby career which had huge highs and shocking lows, Doddie faced some of the game’s greatest players, from Jonny Wilkinson to Jonah Lomu, Brian O’Driscoll to Scott Quinnell and Martin Johnson to Joost van der Westhuizen, and set stadiums alight when “on the charge like a mad giraffe”. Now, at the age of 48, Doddie faces an entirely different Motor Neurone Disease. But Doddie Weir has never been one to shy away from a challenge, on or off the pitch, and he has faced up to MND with undaunted positivity, using his boundless energy to raise funds for MND research and support.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2018
37 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Doddie Weir
5 booksGeorge Wilson "Doddie" Weir OBE is a Scottish former rugby union player who played as a lock. The Doddie Weir Cup is named after him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 20, 2019
I have watched doddie weir over the years, in test matches and when he played for Newcastle. I have seen him on the living with lions DVD . And I have admired his rugby playing abilities
After reading this book, I now realised what a strong, resilient, and determined man he really is. Having been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) he did not sit down and let the illness take hold of him without a fight. He has used his name and history in the game to raise money to fight the illness and to help others that have motor neurone disease.
It’s the story of his life in rugby as well as his life , how he came to play for Scotland and Newcastle as well as Melrose. Its about the life he leads not and the people who have supported him along the way.
He has raised over one million pounds and is still doing events and functions to get more money on the funds
Its a truly amazing story about a truly amazing man
After reading this book, I now realised what a strong, resilient, and determined man he really is. Having been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) he did not sit down and let the illness take hold of him without a fight. He has used his name and history in the game to raise money to fight the illness and to help others that have motor neurone disease.
It’s the story of his life in rugby as well as his life , how he came to play for Scotland and Newcastle as well as Melrose. Its about the life he leads not and the people who have supported him along the way.
He has raised over one million pounds and is still doing events and functions to get more money on the funds
Its a truly amazing story about a truly amazing man
November 11, 2018
An emotional read with highs, lows, laughter and tears. Doddie is an amazing person. He and his family are dealing with a devastating situation by facing it head on and fighting every step of the way. They are showing that no matter what, determination and a positive mind can do fantastic things. He and the team behind the charity work tirelessly to raise money and ensure MND remains in the public domain.
His book is a wonderful autobiography written with wit, compassion and certainly showcases his sense of humour and his stubbornness to fight MND.
His book is a wonderful autobiography written with wit, compassion and certainly showcases his sense of humour and his stubbornness to fight MND.
February 24, 2019
I was at Murrayfield for the All Blacks game when Doddie Weir walked out onto the pitch to deliver the match ball. What an emotional moment for the crowd never mind the big man.
If you like rugby and Scottish rugby then this is a simple, honest and amusing book of Doddie’s career (which was quite a career spanning the amateur and professional game).
He is facing a devastating challenge and he has faced it head on. What a legend.
If you like rugby and Scottish rugby then this is a simple, honest and amusing book of Doddie’s career (which was quite a career spanning the amateur and professional game).
He is facing a devastating challenge and he has faced it head on. What a legend.
December 5, 2019
Although this book has been written on account of Doddie Weir's diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease, it is, perhaps not surprisingly, a laugh a minute.
Weir could easily challenge Billy Connolly's title of 'Big Yin', but will be known in Scottish rugby as the 'Mad Giraffe' after Bill McLaren's description of him.
Diagnosed with MND in December 2016, 'My Name'5 Doddie' is the brave, indomitable and very humorous response to his condition. It is also a brave, indomitable and humorous memoir of Doddie's career in rugby union.
A 6'-6'' lock who won a Championship honour with Melrose and a Championship and Cup win with Newcastle Falcons, a Five Nations Championship with Scotland along with 61 caps. Doddie Weir was also selected for a tour with the British Lions and six times for the Barbarians.
Weir could easily challenge Billy Connolly's title of 'Big Yin', but will be known in Scottish rugby as the 'Mad Giraffe' after Bill McLaren's description of him.
Diagnosed with MND in December 2016, 'My Name'5 Doddie' is the brave, indomitable and very humorous response to his condition. It is also a brave, indomitable and humorous memoir of Doddie's career in rugby union.
A 6'-6'' lock who won a Championship honour with Melrose and a Championship and Cup win with Newcastle Falcons, a Five Nations Championship with Scotland along with 61 caps. Doddie Weir was also selected for a tour with the British Lions and six times for the Barbarians.
July 11, 2022
You probably need to be into rugby to really appreciate this book as I only recognised 5% of the numerous lists of names. Some of the rugby culture insights are interesting but what inevitably really makes this book is the description of the impact on Doddie and his family and friends of his devastating MND diagnosis.
It has clearly motivated him in a very inspirational way to use his fame and contacts as a way of drawing attention to a condition that ordinarily gets relatively little coverage and funding. He is indefatigable in his efforts to support all the amazing shows of support for his cause from local school fairs to big sponsored events. The book makes you want to hope that he will beat all the predictions and live long enough to benefit from some of the research his amazing foundation is helping to support.
It has clearly motivated him in a very inspirational way to use his fame and contacts as a way of drawing attention to a condition that ordinarily gets relatively little coverage and funding. He is indefatigable in his efforts to support all the amazing shows of support for his cause from local school fairs to big sponsored events. The book makes you want to hope that he will beat all the predictions and live long enough to benefit from some of the research his amazing foundation is helping to support.
December 26, 2018
I grew up watching Doddie play rugby, glued to the tv with my dad when the five nations was on. Hearing he was diagnosed with MND was devasting. This book tells his story from growing up in the Borders through to his battle with MND. It's a very emotional, funny, poignant and inspiring read.
It covers lots of interesting times in rugby too, his shift from Amatuer player to professional, the legendary 1997 lions tour and his career with Scotland. Some of the stories are very funny and he has a charming sense of humour.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, the avid rugby fan or those looking to see what it's like to deal with devastating life changing news in a humble way. He doesn't hold back from talking about his feelings and fears, but his courage and honest males for a very moving read.
It covers lots of interesting times in rugby too, his shift from Amatuer player to professional, the legendary 1997 lions tour and his career with Scotland. Some of the stories are very funny and he has a charming sense of humour.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, the avid rugby fan or those looking to see what it's like to deal with devastating life changing news in a humble way. He doesn't hold back from talking about his feelings and fears, but his courage and honest males for a very moving read.
January 1, 2019
You can’t help but be moved by the autobiography of Doddie Weir, the well known rugby player and his continuing fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). I have thought for some time that this was the most cruel of of all neurological diseases . The courage with which he and his family have dealt with his diagnosis of MND is second to none. Being a life long follower of rugby and former player has only enhanced my appreciation of the humour and stories of Doddie’s life in the book. I commend his honesty and sincerity throughout and how he is dedicating his remaining time to fight this terrible condition and to raise money ( over £1m to date) to help find a cure.
January 27, 2019
This is a lovely book by and about a remarkable man. It isn't great literature but it is all the better for that- just a man telling us about his life in rugby and since he developed MND. The jokes,the teasing of friends colleagues and family and the self depreciation would be there disease or not and he hasn't let his illness get in the way of his huge personality. I'm a Melrose fan so possibly biased but this tale describes the joys of rugby as played in the Borders like nothing I have ever read before. He was huge in so many ways on the pitch and remains immense in his fight to help others with MND.
June 28, 2020
What an amazing book on his career and his life.
Its fascinating how he lives and battles MND and what he wants to do to help others through his charity.
He starts with how he grew up on a farm to how he became a rugby player who goes through each club he has played for over the years step by step from Melrose to Newcastle Falcons and Scotland.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves not only the game of rugby but wants to learn about life and not to give up despite what it may throw at you.
Once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.
Its fascinating how he lives and battles MND and what he wants to do to help others through his charity.
He starts with how he grew up on a farm to how he became a rugby player who goes through each club he has played for over the years step by step from Melrose to Newcastle Falcons and Scotland.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves not only the game of rugby but wants to learn about life and not to give up despite what it may throw at you.
Once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.
December 28, 2018
I watched Doddie Weir play for Scotland at rugby and was really saddened to hear the news of him having MND. Watch any of his after dinner speeches on youtube and he confronts this horrible disease with black humour, candor and the way that he would. A phenomenal book and worthy of being on every short/long list for sports book of the year. It’ll make you laugh out loud, cry and think hard about what’s important in life. Enjoy definite 5 stars and one to read
August 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book . Doddle Weir had a great rugby career and then suffered the cruel blow of being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. He defied the odds to not only live past his expected life but through his foundation has raised thousands for research and to help other sufferers of this disease . The black humour and anecdotes are entertaining and it is very moving in parts . What a man !
January 7, 2021
An emotional rollercoaster ride. The ups, the downs, the laughter, the wins and the losses in sport and in life in general. Such an inspiring read. Doddie isn't afraid to take the piss not only of himself but of other people in his highs and his lows. The works of his foundation is phenomenal to say the least ❤. Brilliant read and an eye opener too into the mind of such a caring, generous man whose time is limited but who just keeps on giving in some way or another.
March 8, 2019
What a wonderful book. I think that I needed a box of tissues by the time I had finished it. Doddie writes a very honest and frank book about motor neurone disease and the way that it has effected him and his family. Overall it is a very funny and courageous look at a wonderful human beings life and definitely worth a read even if your not a rugby fan.
May 15, 2023
this book changed my prospective on Scottish rugby and the life of Doddie Weir with him earning over 61 caps for Scotland and even getting the doddie weir cup this book made me think that I actually knew him using his popularity to raise awareness of a disease that not many know about May he Rest in peace a Scotland rugby legend
August 6, 2020
Not always an easy ride
Having read this book I can see why it picked up Rugby book of the year. Some of the stories like the one on a policeman's motorcycle will have you giggling out loud. Sadly he also has faces up to the sad realities of his terrible disease in his own style
Having read this book I can see why it picked up Rugby book of the year. Some of the stories like the one on a policeman's motorcycle will have you giggling out loud. Sadly he also has faces up to the sad realities of his terrible disease in his own style
November 17, 2020
An amazing fellow who fights MND with the same tenacity as he played rugby.
A very well written book which is both amusing and sad. I liked his style of writing which was interesting and informative.
A very well written book which is both amusing and sad. I liked his style of writing which was interesting and informative.
September 19, 2021
Bravery.
After reading Rob Burrows book on His Battle with MND where Doodie was mentioned I had to read about Him. This Book is an amazing read and it Proves that Great things can come from bad
After reading Rob Burrows book on His Battle with MND where Doodie was mentioned I had to read about Him. This Book is an amazing read and it Proves that Great things can come from bad
January 22, 2022
A sporting legend, gentle giant and all round banter thief, Doddie Weir is one of life’s genuinely good guys. This is an endearing and heartwarming book. There are highs, lows and plenty of laughter as Doddie takes us through his career in rugby and his ongoing battle with MND.
November 22, 2018
A very enjoyable book to read about Doddy's rugby career and his biggest challenge to day - being diagnosed/coping with MDN.
January 2, 2019
A great read about the big man DODDIE of his life and his big fight with MND , highly recommend
January 2, 2019
Outstanding. Made you laugh and cry in equal measures. Truly wonderful man and rugby player one of my all time favourites. Even if you’re not into rugby this is a great read
January 3, 2019
Read it
May 28, 2019
Inspiring and moving
Very moving account of Dodi career, family and his condition.
I defy anyone to read this and not have a little bit of dust in their eye at the end.
Very moving account of Dodi career, family and his condition.
I defy anyone to read this and not have a little bit of dust in their eye at the end.
January 8, 2020
Doddie
Great read great cause great man great rugby player great sense of humour such a joy reading your book good luck on the future keep fighting
Great read great cause great man great rugby player great sense of humour such a joy reading your book good luck on the future keep fighting
March 12, 2020
Honest and to the point. Facing MND head on and raising massive awareness. Not all heroes wear capes.
June 10, 2020
normal run of the mill sports autobiography
enjoyable though, as a rugby player.
read it in a few days so must be good
enjoyable though, as a rugby player.
read it in a few days so must be good
May 25, 2021
Warm, honest and positive, a mirror up to the man himself.
July 22, 2021
Wow what strength to fight the awful disease that is MND and what an outstanding example to us all in dealing with what life throws at you’
November 3, 2021
Inspiring
If you need a good pickmeup, or just want to understand more about the life plus trials and tribulations of this great guy, then this book is for you
If you need a good pickmeup, or just want to understand more about the life plus trials and tribulations of this great guy, then this book is for you
February 19, 2022
Heartfelt, down to earth, a real insight into life on and off the rugby pitch, as well as facing a fight for your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews