Doddie was a dear friend of mine. While our playing careers coincided only momentarily, I got to know him well over the years. His infectious good humour and ability to poke fun at his own considerable achievements endeared him to many.

When Kenny Logan, on behalf of MyName5 Doddie Foundation, approached Sporting Wine Club and suggested we make a wine to help Doddie in his fight against MND, there was an easy answer. Recruiting our original sporting winemaker and ex Springbok Schalk Burger was also easy, given his association with the legendary Joost Van der Westhuizen who had tragically passed away some years earlier from MND. The Doddie5 Red was born and was much enjoyed by all – especially Doddie. It raised funds and awareness to combat this awful disease. The Doddie5/Rob Burrow Gin followed, then the Doddie5 Cap Classique which sadly he never tasted as he was too ill. His passing in November 2022 simply galvanised the efforts of a wide community to continue the fight to find a cure, as Doddie would have wanted.

5 years on from the original production, the great news is that the Doddie5 Red is back! We have switched some planned and funded production of the Cap Classique to make this happen. A limited amount of Doddie5 Red 2023 has been bottled and will be in the UK in a matter of weeks. We are incredibly excited about this Bordeaux Blend, alongside the opportunity to highlight the success of MNDF in driving forward research to find a cure, as Doddie said to create ultimately a ‘world free of MND’. There is still a way to go.

The shared experiences of the sport, a rugby family united behind a worthy cause, a quality Estate-bottled sporting wine, all of this comes together and we are all sure that Doddie will be raising a glass with us among the rugby gods at the top table. 

Please find your link to purchase below:

https://sportingwineclub.com/product/doddies-5-wine/