WORLD CUP SHORTS

SCOTLAND lock Jim Hamilton (below) has retired from international rugby after missing out on a place in the World Cup squad. The Saracens forward, 32, was the 1,000th player to play for Scotland when he made his debut against Romania in 2006 and won 63 caps. Hamilton tweeted: ‘Thank you to my wife and children for supporting me along the way. Thank you to the Scottish supporters for making the matches so special.’

SAMOA lock Kane Thompson has been banned for two matches and will miss the opening game against the USA after being sent off for hitting Barbarians’ Saia Fainga’a.