SCOTLAND rugby legend Rob Wainwright believes that a cure for Motor Neuron Disease is ‘just around the corner’ and he is calling for people’s support to realise that dream.

The former British & Irish Lions who was a teammate Doddie Weir is joining a number of rugby giants today who intend cycling over 500 miles between BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in just 48 hours.

The group left Edinburgh this morning and aim to deliver the match ball for the Doddie Weir Cup match between Wales and Scotland on Saturday which kicks off at 2.15pm.

Other players joining the challenge include: Martin Johnson, Alix Popham, Dean Ryan, Carl Hogg, Mike Teague, Colin Charvis and Iwan Tukalo.

Border Telegraph: Doddie Weir, an adherent of The South district, squares off against Rob Wainwright, of The North and Midlands faction

Wainwright said: "We have to believe that a breakthrough in MND treatment is just round the corner and push ourselves and others to raise funds to realise that dream. We do it for extraordinary people like Doddie and Davy Zyw, but ultimately for all the other friends we have not met who suffer or will suffer from this awful disease.

“Our quest is to put MND in the bin that contains Smallpox and the growing list of other ex-diseases, and your support in that quest is vital and very welcome."

This year’s ride is split into legs with short breaks at rugby clubs throughout Scotland including Selkirk, England, and Wales.

The team is aiming to raise over £250,000 which includes generous sponsorship from Baillie Gifford, The Wood Foundation, Scotbeef, Brewdog, John Clark Motor Group, Ogilvie Fleet, Pax8, Millwood Capital, JT3. A big thanks also for support from Alpine Bikes, The Cycle Jersey Co, Spaceships Rentals and Thrifty Car and Van Rental.