Fans ‘in tears’ as terminally ill Sir Chris Hoy gets rousing reception before Scotland vs Ireland Six Nations clash

RUGBY fans were reduced to tears after watching Sir Chris Hoy receive a rousing reception before Scotland hosted Ireland in the Six Nations.

The cycling and Team GB Olympic icon revealed that he's battling terminal prostate cancer in a heartbreaking and incredibly brave Instagram post last year.

Scottish sporting icon Hoy brought Murrayfield to a standstill as the crowd rose to its feet for a standing ovation this Sunday.

Britain's most decorated Olympic star performed two ceremonial duties ahead of kick-off, before Ireland went on to secure a 32-18 bonus point victory.

After the anthems, Hoy was given a guard of honour from both benches as he emerged out of the tunnel to a thunderous applause.

He hugged former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, who has been cycling around the UK and Ireland for a motor neurone disease charity named Doddie Foundation.

Hoy, 48, waved to fans around the stadium as he walked to the middle of the pitch to deliver the match ball to referee James Doleman.

Sir Chris looked overcome with emotion as he appeared to fight back tears while he walked back towards the sideline.

A commentator said: "What a moment here. That's quite a welcome. Sir Chris Hoy - one of Scotland's and Britain's greatest-ever sportsmen.

"A son of Edinburgh who grew up here in Murrayfield and went on to conquer the cycling world and that's quite a welcome home."

Hollywood star Gerard Butler, who was in the crowd, was seen capturing the heartwarming moment on his phone.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist was wearing a Scotland jersey with his 'Hoy' name on the back, while Wainwright was sporting a checkered tracksuit to raise money for Doddie.

The match ball Sir Chris delivered was transported from Dublin by Wainwright, who incidentally never lost against Ireland during his playing days.

And the Edinburgh speedster's walk left viewers distraught.

One wrote on X: "I'm in absolute bits here watching Hoy bring out the match ball. What a legend 💪🏼."

A second said: "What an inspiration Chris Hoy is. Tears have been shed."

Another added: "Chris Hoy is one of the all time greats. Had a wee year in my eye there 😥."

One more posted: "Not a huge rugby fan but the national anthem had me teary but Chris Hoy had me sobbing."

A final post said: "Just got a bit emotional at Sir Chris Hoy bringing the ball on there. What a man."

Earlier, Hoy was accompanied by his wife Sarra Kemp, as he drove the Lead the Legends car at the front of the Scotland team bus arrival.

Co-captain Rory Darge revealed that he hoped the presence of Hoy can inspire Scotland to victory over the Irish - but it wasn't too be.

Hoy’s involvement comes as he continues his fight against terminal prostate cancer, a diagnosis he revealed last year. 

Since going public, Hoy has spearheaded several initiatives to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

His Tour de 4 Ride campaign aims to help to change the perception of people living with stage four cancer.

He also presented the the Ballon d’Art trophy to Luke Littler a few days before the teen was crowed world champ in January.

Sir Chris was diagnosed with cancer in late 2023 after he sought treatment for a strain in his shoulder.

After undergoing scans, it was found the cycling great had a tumour in his shoulder and cancer in his prostate.

The prostate cancer then metastasised to his bones as doctors soon found tumours in his shoulder, pelvis, spine and ribs.

In a further devastating blow to his family, Hoy shared the news his wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just weeks before his cancer revelation.

Hoy cemented himself as a British hero when he picked up three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as he won the team sprint, keirin and individual sprint.