Former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie has retired

Former Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie has announced his retirement from rugby. The 34-year-old ex-Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier and Castres forward finished his career with a three-year stint at French club Bayonne.

Beattie, who began his career with Glasgow in 2004 before earning 38 caps for Scotland, wrote on Instagram. “That inevitable moment in every sportsperson’s career has arrived,” he posted.

“After 16 years of rugby life in Scotland and France, the time is right to retire from playing the sport I love professionally. Professional rugby has allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people, from all over the world.

“The inspirational places, people, experiences, tournaments, supporters, anthems and matches were all a privilege to be part of, and I realise I have been very fortunate to live out my dreams practising and playing my sport.”

Beattie’s Scotland debut came in 2006 against Romania. He left for France in 2012 and had two seasons with Montpellier, and a further two with Castres before he signed for Bayonne in 2016.

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That inevitable moment in every sportsperson’s career has arrived. After sixteen years of rugby life in Scotland and France, the time is right to retire from playing the sport I love professionally. ‘Le petit mort’ as they say in France. Rugby introduced me to some of my best mates when I was five years old, as we discovered the sport together. Professional rugby has allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people, from all over the world. The inspirational places, people, experiences, tournaments, supporters, anthems and matches were all a privilege to be part of, and I realise I have been very fortunate to live out my dreams practicing and playing my sport. I look forward to applying cultural lessons learned in leadership, teamwork, respect and enjoyment as I move into new adventures. Thank you to Scottish Rugby, and the Barbarians for fulfilling my wildest childhood fantasies. Moreover to Bayonne, Castres, Montpellier and Glasgow for giving me the chance to wear your colours and represent your beautiful cities. Rhys Parsons and Pete Harmsworth for helping shape the journey. I want to thank everyone who has supported me. From volunteers who ran mini rugby at Glasgow Accies for unruly and overly aggressive five year olds, through to every team mate, management team and supporter that I have crossed paths with. Thank you to my parents for providing me with every opportunity, and taxiing me to every sporting event that Glasgow could offer a youngster. Lastly and most importantly to Jen and our beautiful children. We have shared some magical moments abroad that will last a lifetime. Starting our family in France will forever be my proudest achievement. Thank you for all of your love and support as I pursued my rugby dreams. Johnnie X @scotlandteam @barbarians_fc @avironrugbypro @castresolympique @mhr_officiel @glasgowwarriors @glasgowaccies @esportif @esportif_france

A post shared by Johnnie Beattie (@johnniebeattie) on Jan 7, 2020 at 7:07am PST

He said: “I look forward to applying cultural lessons learned in leadership, teamwork, respect and enjoyment as I move into new adventures.”

– Press Association 

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