Stalwart Barclay bows out

FORMER Scotland captain John Barclay has decided to retire from all forms of professional rugby at the age of 33.

Barclay won 76 caps for his country and captained them to a brilliant Calcutta Cup victory over England at Murrayfield in 2018.

The flanker began his career at Glasgow Warriors, spending eight years at Scotstoun, and was part of the Killer B’s alongside back-row colleagues Kelly Brown and Johnnie Beattie.

He left Glasgow to join Scarlets in 2013 and went on to win the Pro12 title with the Welsh side 2017, before returning to Scotland to join

Edinburgh the next year. But his time with the capital club was hampered by injury, before his contract expired earlier this summer.

He had initially hoped to continue playing, but the difficulties in finding a new club post-lockdown have brought to an end a 16-year professional career.

‘After much thought, I’ve decided to call time on my career,’ said Barclay, who played for his country in three World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2019.

‘When you know, you know. And whilst Covid-19 has left a frustrating finish, the end isn’t about the fairytale.

‘The whole story has been a fairytale. The opportunity to get to do the thing I loved as a job for 16 years has provided me with enough memories to last a lifetime.

‘To get capped was beyond my wildest dreams. To be able to captain my country will be something I will be eternally proud of.’