David Denton to retire from rugby

42-times-capped Scotland back-row forward David Denton has today announced his retirement from rugby.

The 29-year-old has been advised to bow out on medical grounds following a concussion injury he sustained playing for his English club side, Leicester Tigers, last October.

“My actual reaction at the time my neurologist told me it was no longer a good idea to play rugby... to be honest there was a bit of relief," said Denton.

“This had been building up inside of me for four to five months.

"I knew there was a strong possibility that this moment (when I had to retire) was coming."

"By the time I got to it, I had been through all the emotional highs and lows, so I was prepared for it.

“Of course, it is devastating that my rugby career is ending. After a few years where I had a series of injuries, I had got myself back into a position where I felt, physically and mentally, that I could play the best rugby of my career.

“Since I was 14 or 15 my identity has been forged around being a sportsman, a rugby player. Now, at the age of 29, a few years before I expected, the circumstances have changed.”

Denton is planning to move back to Edinburgh and sees his future in the business world as opposed to coaching.