John Barclay steps down from Scotland duty

Former Scotland captain John Barclay has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The powerful back-rower earned 76 caps for his country and represented Scotland at three Rugby World Cups.

Barclay made his international bow against New Zealand in September 2007 and his last appearance was against Russia at the World Cup in Japan.

The 33-year-old plans to continue his club career with Pro14 side Edinburgh.

“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,” he posted on Instagram. 

“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.

“[It’s] not the end of my rugby journey, but the end of one chapter. Thanks for the memories.”

 

 

 

 

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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. 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. To my family and friends for supporting me all over the world, a big thank you. Most importantly though, thank you to my wife for her support looking after our growing family when I have been away and for dealing with the inevitable ups and downs associated with playing international rugby. Not the end of my rugby journey, but the end of one chapter. Thanks for the memories

A post shared by John Barclay (@johnbarc) on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:20am PST

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