Johnnie Beattie calls time on career
Scotland's Johnnie Beattie during Rugby RBS 6 Nations Tournament, France vs Scotland in Stade de France, St-Denis, France, on February 7th, 2015. France won 15-8. Photo by Henri Szwarc/ABACAPRESS.COM
Former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland international loose forward Johnnie Beattie has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
The 34-year-old number eight, who also had spells with Montpellier and Castres, finished his career with a three-year stint at club Bayonne.
Beattie, who began his career with Glasgow in 2004 before earning 38 caps for Scotland, announced his retirement on Instagram.
“That inevitable moment in every sportsperson’s career has arrived,” he posted.
“After 16 years of rugby life in Scotland and France, the time is right to retire from playing the sport I love professionally.
“Professional rugby has allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people, from all over the world.
“The inspirational places, people, experiences, tournaments, supporters, anthems and matches were all a privilege to be part of, and I realise I have been very fortunate to live out my dreams practising and playing my sport.”
👏 👏 👏 All the very best to former Scotland #8 Johnnie Beattie who today called time on playing the sport professionally after 16 years at the top end of the sport, including earning 38 Scotland caps from 2006-2015 #AsOne pic.twitter.com/ZuCdBvXzKF
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 7, 2020
Beattie’s Scotland debut came in 2006 against Romania. He left for France in 2012 and had two seasons with Montpellier, and a further two with Castres before he signed for Bayonne in 2016.
He said: “I look forward to applying cultural lessons learned in leadership, teamwork, respect and enjoyment as I move into new adventures.”