Former Scotland centre Alex Dunbar announces retirement

Former Scotland international Alex Dunbar has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Dunbar started his senior career with Glasgow Warriors in 2009 but missed out on the club's victorious Pro12 final win following a serious knee injury. He made 20 appearances for the Scottish regional club in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons combined before joining Newcastle Falcons on loan in January 2019.

The 31-year-old went on to make two Premiership appearances for the Falcons before they faced relegation at the end of the 2018/19 season and went on to join French club Brive in 2019 with his appearances for the Top14 club restricted due to the pandemic coronavirus. During his time with Brive, he went on to sustain an ankle injury and has now decided to call off his playing career to focus on farming.

“First week back on the farm complete,” he posted on his Instagram account. “Feel extremely grateful to have had such an amazing journey with my rugby career.

“As a teenager growing up on the farm and playing rugby for fun I’d never have imagined what it would lead to.

“I’ve been honoured to represent my country, play with and learn from legends of the game, travel to places I’d never of had the opportunity to before and most importantly make friendships that will last a life time.

“Unfortunately, my career has had to come to an end sooner than hoped due to injury but I’m happy and ready to move onto the next chapter of life with my family.

“Time to hang up the boots and pull on the wellies!"

Dunbar also played 31 times for Scotland since his international debut in 2013 but his last appearance for the Dark Blues came during the November series in 2018.