Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Blaine Scully shares his retirement message on Twitter

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Blaine Scully, the captain of the United States, has shared a parting message on Twitter Tuesday after announcing his retirement from rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 32-year-old left the Cardiff Blues at the end of last season and has since been without a club, although he led his country at the recent World Cup in Japan at the end of last year.

He posted this message on Twitter alongside a longer statement: “To the friends, team-mates, opponents, coaches and fans, to the clubs and countries and, of course, the game itself, you have my deepest thanks for the experience of a lifetime.”

Scully’s statement gave an insight into the acceptance that he is no longer a professional rugby player, as well as the “gift” of playing rugby for a living, saying that his career was not defined by the number of caps earned or contracts signed but “the way I competed”.

The full-back also thanked his former clubs Leicester Tigers and Cardiff, the University of California, as well as his family throughout his career.

However, he emphasised the pride and honour in playing for the United States, for whom he made his debut in 2011.

He said: “My proudest moments are running out onto the field to represent the United States. For over ten years, I have accepted the responsibility of the US jersey and hoped to live up to what it means to be an Eagle.

ADVERTISEMENT

“After three World Cups, 54 caps and countless memories of wearing red, white and blue in cities from Sacramento to Tokyo, I’m proud of what I did. But as the great Bill Russell said, ‘You play until there are no games left in your jersey’. It’s my turn to give it back.”

Scully also represented his country in sevens and bows out after a promising RWC display from the Eagles, particularly in a close encounter with France.

WATCH: Joe Marler “nothing more than an egotistical narcissist” – ex-Wales skipper blasts England prop

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

KOKO Show | July 8th | Bernard Foley stops by to talk the Wallabies winning and Lions being tested

England v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Georgia vs Ireland | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

Lions Share | Episode 2

Chile vs Romania | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

USA vs Belgium | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

Touchdown in Dublin, The Red Sea Returns & We Prepare to Face Argentina | Ep 2: The Ultimate Test

South Africa v British & Irish Lions | 2009 | Second Test | The Vaults

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

J
JW 2 hours ago
Can Les Bleus avoid a Black-wash in New Zealand?

By “not a big deal”, I mostly meant financially for FFR as, contrary to many other Rugby Unions (most as broke as FFR) who are still making nearly all their money with such big events tickets sale, FFR is not. Using the Stade de France* even when it was sold out or near full capacity (something garanteed for an AB game) was only for the operator to turn on profits. Hence they would survive an AB boycott because not as much was at stake compared to other Unions who are still desperately chasing the biggest crowds as possible in order to survive.

I’m not sure what this attitude is supposed to depict. Are you saying that FFR don’t do anything for the game in France? Are the women and age teams all taken care of by the clubs too?


No, no one is going to boycott anybody. It is a matter for WR to sort out with FFR.


Nar, I’m afraid the problem is now that Galthie has come out and admitted they aren’t trying to fulfil their obligation (exclusion of a premium group), you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. If you had of just keep going the way you were you’d be able to continue (not that that was their aim, these are only short term selection policies) resting the half a dozen that look like they need it. WR have just released new player welfare initiatives, and one section looks directly related to this subject. You know how you guys are providing info on why players aren’t available, that would need to be done in detail to WR, and catch all these examples well outside of the welfare excuse.


They might allow the FFR to have their own metrics, but it’s hard to see given they’re making their own.

When you are overstretched and can’t do everything with the means at your disposal, the best way is to rank those tasks and assign your best forces following priorities:

- WC knock out game

- 6 Nations Chelem or decider game

- WC pool game

- (…)

- November International

- July International

Strongly disagree. Either 6N is at the top alone, or its at the bottom of the list. The worst thing you can do for the French game is only concentrate on beating the same 5 opponents every year. If you’re serious about being a good team you need to target those key internationals against the best teams.


I know it’s seem tough in the past, but I believe you can do it (so does HammerHead). Takata, you’ve seemed/been the one to talk the most commonsense on the issue, and I’m afraid I don’t believe you’re honestly believe what you just wrote.

357 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ ‘As things stand, the Lions are a flawed entity. They need to polish up their act’ ‘As things stand, the Lions are a flawed entity. They need to polish up their act’
Search