Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has announced his retirement from international rugby, the Clermont scrum-half after an eight-year career in blue.
The 34-year old has 76 caps to his name and is second on the all-time points list for his nation with 714.
Laidlaw led Scotland 39 times and has called the decision one of the hardest of his career:
"Emotionally, this decision was incredibly tough, however, when I reflected on what I have learned from playing Test level rugby and where Scotland is as a national team, it makes sense.
"Captaining your country to victory is the stuff of childhood dreams. To say I will never again stand in the tunnel, filled with nerves, alongside my rugby family and lead my teammates out on to the pitch at Murrayfield, is incredibly hard," he said.
"While my body and heart could continue playing, my head tells me that it's time to let the team rebuild.
"In terms of where Scotland is now, they are in a position to spring forward and I cannot wait to give them my full support from the stands."
"To the Scotland coaches and backroom staff over the years who dedicate hours behind the scenes to prepare the team collectively and as individuals, I thank you.
"To the people who have helped me achieve my dreams: my team-mates, my parents, sister, family, close friends and my incredible wife, Rachel, and our sons, I will be forever thankful for all the support you have shown me over the years; you have stuck by me through thick and thin.
"I'd also like to thank Scottish Rugby and the staff behind the scenes who have both supported me as captain and a player and enabled the team to perform in front of capacity crowds.
"And finally, a massive thanks to the Scotland supporters both in Scotland and abroad for sharing the rollercoaster ride of international rugby with me."
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