Scotland's Alasdair Dickinson announces retirement

Scotland international Alasdair Dickinson has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The decision follows after his continued battle with injuries that includes hamstring, shoulder problems along with a broken foot that restricted his participation considerably in the last two years.

“It has obviously been a tough decision but when you’re getting a bit older, your body makes the decision for you.

“For me, my body just couldn’t keep up with the demands of the professional game and I believe it’s now a good time to call it a day.

“There’s been loads of good memories along the way but it’s not just the games, there’s great pre-seasons, training and socials with the squad. I’ll definitely miss those moments with my teammates.

“To take up a position with the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy is a great opportunity for me.

“It’s the natural progression to transition from playing to coaching and I’ve been really fortunate to have been offered this role. I can’t wait to get started and it’s definitely going to be a great test.”

The 34-year-old will now take up a coaching role in the Scottish Rugby Academy to specialise in the scrum and contact area.

Dickinson made his professional rugby debut in 2003 and has represented Gloucester, Moseley and Sale Sharks before rejoining the Murrayfield outfit for a second stint in 2013. He has made 120 appearances for Edinburgh in the two spells combined.

His Scotland debut came in the year 2007 against All Blacks and he went on to play 58 times for the Dark Blues until 2016 when he returned from the tour of Japan with a hamstring injury.