BORDERER and former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir has revealed he remains best mates with 1990 Grand Slam hero Gary Armstrong despite falling victim to many of his practical dressing-room jokes, writes Paul Kiddie.

The pair got to know each other well during their time with Scotland, Newcastle Falcons and Borders.

Weir, who is battling MND, can laugh at some of his pal’s pranks now but admits he could be a pain to be around.

“Gary was one of the notable off-field culprits and was just a pest!” said the 47-year-old.

“He would put salt into your drink when you weren’t looking and if you were having a bath he would run in and put hot chocolate and coffee under the bubbles so you would come out with an instant tan.

“He would change the cheese in a sandwich and put sawdust in it which wasn’t so nice and he would put cling film over the toilet and take the light bulb out so things would get a bit messy when you went for a tiddle or No. 2!

“He was just the biggest prankster.”

Weir also revealed he sang ‘Postman Pat’ as his initiation song after his international debut.

After making his bow against Argentina at Murrayfield in 1990, the giant lock kicked pop’s big hits into touch to entertain his team-mates with the words to the theme tune of the kids’ classic TV programme.

As he took part in the ritual sing-song for newcomers, he was booed off by the team which included the likes of John Jeffries, Gavin Hastings, Sean Lineen and David Sole.

Weir recalled the nerve-racking moment during conversation on Graeme Easton’s Playlist Podcast on Woosh Entertainments’ Edinburgh-based internet radio show.

“It was always a ritual that after you got your first cap, you had to sing in front of the bus,” said the 61-times capped lock.

“Going to the front of the bus to sing for your supper is quite a daunting thing to do.

“Gavin Hasting and ‘Running Bear’ was one of the popular ones, Kenny Milne was pretty electric with his Queen song, too!

“The one I tried to sing was Postman Pat.

“My singing voice was worse than limited and I got booed off which was brilliant as I could then sit down.”

His singing was so bad as a kid that he was told to MIME during performances with his primary school choir.

“At my local primary school they had very few kids so I was asked to join the choir but had to mime!” he laughed.

Weir revealed his condition to the world in June last year, although he had known for some time previously.

He has been blown away by the support which followed, with a foundation set up to help raise funds for researching the causes of MND.

“The foundation is doing great things,” he said.

“The support from everybody from young kids giving their pocket money to big business and the rugby community, has been truly utterly amazing and thanks to everyone.”

You can learn more about the foundation and the fund-raising efforts here https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/

You can hear his full podcast here https://www.woosh.tv/graemeeastonsplaylist

DODDIE’S TOP 5

Dr Hook – Sylvia’s Mother: Brought back memories of working on a pal’s farm in Gorebridge and crashing into his combine harvester.’

Amy McDonald – Mr Rock n Roll: ‘Scottish legend, down to earth girl.’

Meatloaf – Bat Out of Hell: ‘A great driving song’.

Stereophonics – C’est la vie: ‘Brings back great holiday memories. An amazing song to get up and enjoy yourself to.’

Deacon Blue – Dignity: ‘A track and a half. Brilliant to support anything Scottish’.