DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK are staging a unique double-header this weekend as the inaugural ‘Doddie’5 Day’ takes place at The Northern Echo Arena.

Mowden’s National One home game against Moseley on Saturday, which will be followed by Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ game against Firwood Waterloo, will be dedicated to former Newcastle Falcon and Scotland international Doddie Weir, and raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Weir, who won 61 caps for Scotland and represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour of South Africa in 1997, is one of rugby union’s most recognisable and popular figures.

A talented, committed and athletic lock forward, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in June 2017.

Since receiving news of his condition, the Scot has been raising funds to help fellow sufferers and support further research into the currently incurable disease.

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was created in November 2017, and 50 per cent of all of this weekend’s ticket sales will be donated to the charity.

“We are delighted to be benefiting from Doddie'5 Day at Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club - a fine club with an important role in the heart of the local community,” said Weir. “I hope everyone has a fantastic day - two great matches to look forward and I am sure you will be well supported.

“Many thanks for supporting the Foundation, the rugby community has been incredible since I shared my diagnosis and the efforts will help us to continue with our work.

“Last year, we committed £1m to MND research and to help those affected by this terrible disease and we hope to at least match this in 2019. This would not be possible without your help. Have a great day!”

Danny Brown, Mowden Park’s director of rugby, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Doddie and his Foundation this weekend.

“Doddie has contributed so much both on and off the field, and as a club we want to show our support to Doddie in any way we can.

“The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is such a worthy cause and to see how the rugby community has come together to support Doddie is inspirational. Doddie has given so much to the sport and we want him to know that we are with him in his battle against MND.”

* Tickets for Saturday’s ‘Doddie’5 Day’ double-header will be available on the day, priced £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. Under-16s will be admitted free.