Seymour calls time on Scotland career

Glasgow Warriors winger Tommy Seymour has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Capped 55 times by his country, the 31-year-old crossed for 20 tries during his international career to rank fourth on the Scotland all-time list.

The Nashville-born flyer’s form in the 2016/17 campaign also saw him selected for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, finishing as the tour’s top try-scorer by touching down on three occasions.

Seymour made his international debut against South Africa in Nelspruit back in 2013, scoring his first two Scotland tries later that year in a 42-17 win over Japan at BT Murrayfield.

The winger holds the distinction of scoring in four consecutive Rugby World Cup matches, crossing in each of his appearances at the 2015 tournament in England including the quarter-final against Australia at Twickenham.

A hat-trick against Fiji at BT Murrayfield proved to be his final home try-scoring appearance in the famous dark blue jersey, with his final try for Scotland coming against Russia in the recent Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“Playing for Scotland has been the greatest honour,” said Seymour.

“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.

“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.”

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 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.”