Tommy Seymour announces international retirement

Scotland and British & Irish Lions wing Tommy Seymour today announced his decision to call time on his international rugby career.

The nation's fourth-top try-scorer crossed the paint 20 times in his 55 appearances in a six-year spell, which has taken in two Rugby World Cups (2015 and 2019) and the drawn 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand.

He joined Glasgow Warriors in 2011 made his Scotland debut two years later against South Africa in Nelspruit and scored his first try as part of a brace against Japan in the national team’s 42-17 Autumn Test win later that year.

Seymour holds the distinction of having scored a try in four consecutive RWC tournament matches in 2015, with a try in the preceding Summer Test against France making for a five-game streak.

Seymour said: "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 the 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..."

Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend 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 and 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.”