Following a nine-year career, Scotland’s commanding lock Jim Hamilton has sadly hung up his boots from international rugby.
The legend, who has appeared at the two previous World Cups, made the decision to quit Test rugby 24 hours after he failed to make Vern Cotter’s final Dark Blues’ squad.
Born in Swindon, Hamilton qualified to wear the thistle thanks to his Scottish army soldier father James and what followed was a great international career that saw him amass an imposing 64 Test caps.
He will be missed by everyone on and off the pitch for his committed performances and eccentric personality.
The dominant second-row had been an unwavering cog in the Scotland chain since he became the 1000th man to be capped by the Scot’s when he made debut against Romania in November 2006 under Frank Haddon.
In a wholehearted declaration the 32-year old published via his Twitter page, he said: “Today is both a say day and a day that I feel extremely proud to have had. For I announce my retirement from international rugby.
“15 years ago from today I was on the bare bones of my a*se. Never in a million Saturday afternoons did I think I would have represented this beautiful country of Scotland 63 times on the rugby field.
“I have loved every single moment of wearing the thistle and feel extremely humble to have done it for nine years.
“Thank you to my wife and children for supporting me along the way. Thank you to the Scottish supporters for making the matches so special.”
So what will be up next for the towering lock after he made his last appearance in Scotland’s 16-12 win over Italy in Turin last month?
Although he is still contracted to Saracens a profession in coaching I suspect could follow as he has always come over as someone who can help nurture and develop talent.
During the rest of his club career, he also turned out for Gloucester and Montpellier, as well as Leicester, Edinburgh and of course Sarries.
Scotland kicks off their World Cup Pool B campaign against Japan in Gloucester on 23rd September. They then face the United States in Leeds before taking on South Africa and then Samoa in Newcastle at St James Park.