John Barclay calls time on Test career
Former Scotland captain John Barclay has announced his retirement from international rugby, putting an end to a 76-cap Test career.
The 33-year-old Edinburgh flanker made his Test debut against New Zealand at Murrayfield in 2007 and captained Scotland in his final Test against Russia at the recent Rugby World Cup in Japan.
After 12 years, three Rugby World Cups and 76 caps, John Barclay has called time on playing for @Scotlandteam https://t.co/3YPQVUIgDQ
— STV News (@STVNews) December 4, 2019
“All good things must come to an end. After much thought I have decided the time is right to step down from the international game,” Barclay said on his Instagram account.
“This isn’t an easy decision to make; playing for Scotland is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and undoubtedly one the best things I will achieve in my life. But for me and my family it feels like the right time.
“It has truly been a privilege to wear the jersey. Not many people can say they got to live their boyhood dream, but I was lucky enough to have that honour and it is something I am unbelievably proud of.
“Not the end of my rugby journey, but the end of one chapter. Thanks for the memories.”