RUSSIA
Igor Galinovskiy (2006-19), 50 caps. Age: 34
Probably the world’s most successful player born in Azerbaijan! Galinovskiy played a huge role in Russia qualifying for RWC 2011 only to miss out on the tournament itself with a fractured fibula. He made it into the squad for Japan 2019, though, where he finally got the chance to play on the game’s biggest stage, earning his 50th and final cap against Ireland.
SCOTLAND
John Barclay (2007-19), 76 caps. Age: 33
Captained the side in his farewell performance against Russia at his third Rugby World Cup in Japan. An outstanding and versatile back-rower.
Greig Laidlaw (2010-19), 76 caps. Age: 34
Scorer of 714 points and a saviour for Scotland time and time again with his prowess from the kicking tee and his leadership in the heat of battle.
Tommy Seymour (2013-19), 55 caps. Age: 31
Seymour, who has spent most of his career on the wing, is Scotland’s fourth-top try scorer, crossing the line 20 times in a six-year spell during which he has been at two World Cups.
SOUTH AFRICA
Schalk Brits (2008-19), 15 caps. Age: 38
Retired from Test rugby for the second time in two years, and insists this time it’s for good. Became the second-oldest try scorer in Rugby World Cup history after touching down against Namibia, at the grand old age of 38.
Tendai Mtawarira (2008-19), 117 caps. Age: 34
Known throughout the rugby world as “The Beast” for his bullocking runs, Mtawarira starts a new adventure in Major League Rugby. Sits behind Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana as the third-most capped Springbok.
TONGA
Siale Piutau (2011-19), 43 caps. Age: 34
Tonga’s captain signed off in style at RWC 2019, scoring a try in a man-of-the-match performance as Tonga beat the USA – on his 34th birthday.
Sione Kalamafoni (2007-19), 37 caps. Age: 31
Back-row warrior who played in three Rugby World Cups, making 12 tournament appearances – a record he shares with Piutau.
USA
John Quill (2012-19), 37 caps. Age: 29
A veteran of two Rugby World Cups, the no-nonsense flank says farewell to the test arena at the tender age of 29. Like France second-rower Vahaamahina, he was sent off in his final game against England.