Scotland star Tommy Seymour has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The winger has 55 Scotland caps and 20 tries for his country to his name, and featured in the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad that took on New Zealand.
The 31-year-old Glasgow Warrior is fourth on Scotland’s list of all-time try scorers.
Announcing his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, Seymour said: “Today I’d like to announce the decision to retire from international rugby.
“Playing for Scotland has been the greatest honour. The pride from wearing the thistle on my chest is one of the most powerful feelings I’ve experienced.
“It was in every way a dream come true and an amazing journey to share with friends, family and Scotland supporters.
“I have been fortunate enough to play with some of the greatest players this country has ever produced and even more fortunate that in some I have found friends for life.
— Tommy Seymour (@tommy_seymour14) December 11, 2019
“To my loving wife Katy, who held the fort through my many days and months away from home, thank you for being my rock through all the ups and downs that come with playing international sport.”
2⃣0⃣ Scotland tries
5⃣5⃣caps
2017 @lionsofficial @tommy_seymour14 has this afternoon announced his retirement from international rugby.? Congratulations on a superb international career Tommy!https://t.co/4N9p8n9jEO
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 11, 2019
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to Seymour, who he also coached at Glasgow Warriors.
He said: “Tommy can reflect on an excellent international career. He has one of the best try-scoring rates for Scotland.
“To earn 55 caps in a six-year period is testament to not only his all-round rugby ability but also his consistency in the blue jersey.
“His game was very well suited to the demands of test rugby, as he had a high work-rate, world-class aerial skills and a very good awareness of when to get on to ball.
“When he got the opportunity to play regularly, first at Glasgow then with Scotland, he went from strength to strength, adding elements to his game each season.
“He’s been fantastic to work with and always gave everything for Scotland. We wish him well for the rest of his playing career with Glasgow.”
Seymour was quickly flooded with messages of support from friends after taking to Twitter to announce the news.
All the best! Thanks for the memories! Hardest working winger ever
— Kevin Bulloch (@therealbag11) December 11, 2019
Sorry to hear that, Tommy, you were always top quality at an interview! All the best.
— Alan Shaw (@AlanShaw22) December 11, 2019
All the best Tommy. Thanks for the memories. ???????
— Rob Harvey ??????? (@robharvey5) December 11, 2019
Thank you Tommy, a great ambassador for @Scotlandteam, you’ve done a great service for the team #AsOne #WarriorNation
— Ramsay (@Ram5y) December 11, 2019
Born in Nashville, Seymour qualifies for the country through his Glaswegian mum.
He made his Scotland debut against South Africa in June 2013. His first two Scotland tries came later that year as the boys in blue faced off against Japan in a 42-17 victory.
