Stuart Hogg leads the praise as Scotland players react to Greig Laidlaw's retirement

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has called time on his Test career after nine years. It was suspected that the scrum-half was going to make the World Cup in Japan his swansong and he has now finished alongside team-mates John Barclay and Tommy Seymour. 

Since making his debut in 2010, the 34-year-old amassed the second-most points in Scotland’s history – 714 – and captained them in 39 of his 76 caps, a national record.

However, he felt this was the best time to end his career and let the next generation come through in the rebuilding process after the RWC.

There has been an impassioned reaction from fans and players since the announcement, as the Clermont scrum-half has been praised for his commitment to Scottish rugby over the years in what has not necessarily been glorious days. 

What is abundantly clear is that Laidlaw has been praised for his leadership qualities and dedication to his team. The fact that he started at fly-half for his country when needed is just another sign of this. 

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Stuart Hogg described him as “a captain that we would happily follow every game because he believed in us all and made our jobs easier.” 

Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton also said that he is a “true Scotsman”, while Barclay said he was “undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest”. 

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Huge respect to Greig Laidlaw who served his @Scotlandteam with pride and self determination. 76 caps & 714 points. Captained Scotland more than any other player! Says it all really! @JedforestRFC

— Scott Hastings (@ScottHastings13) December 19, 2019

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Laidlaw had battled for a starting berth over the last year or so, with Ali Price proving to be a worthy rival, and although some have criticised him throughout his career, former Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson said he “silenced the doubters on several occasions”. 

Moreover, many have highlighted that the former Edinburgh nine had been at the heart of all Scotland’s great moments over the past decade. 

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