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Former Scotland captain John Barclay has announced his retirement from international rugby.<\/p>\nFormer Scotland captain John Barclay has announced his retirement from international rugby.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old flanker won 76 caps for his country during a 12-year Test career that included the recent World Cup in Japan.<\/p>\n
Barclay, who played in three World Cups, made his Scotland debut during the 2007 tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll good things must come to an end. After much thought I have decided the time is right to step down from the international game,\u201d Barclay said on his Instagram account.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t an easy decision to make.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaying for Scotland is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and undoubtedly one of the best things I will achieve in my life. But for me and my family, it feels like the right time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has truly been a privilege to wear the jersey.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot many people can say they got to live their boyhood dream, but I was lucky enough to have that honour, and it is something I am unbelievably proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo my family and friends for supporting me all over the world, a big thank you.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost importantly though, thank you to my wife for her support looking after our growing family when I have been away and for dealing with the inevitable ups and downs associated with playing international rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot the end of my rugby journey, but the end of one chapter. Thanks for the memories.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barclay made more than 250 appearances for Glasgow and the Scarlets before joining Edinburgh in 2018.<\/p>\n
His final Test match appearance came in a World Cup pool victory over Russia two months ago.<\/p>\n