SCOTLAND’S MOST-CAPPED scrum-half Mike Blair has announced he has retired from international rugby at the age of 31.
Blair was capped 85 times for his country and was captain of the side on 14 occasions.
His decision follows six weeks after the resignation of Scotlad coach Andy Robinson in the wake of the defeat to Tonga in Aberdeen. Australian coach Scott Johnson has been put in charge for the Six Nations tournament.
In a statement released by the Scottish Rugby Union, Blair said: “I’m in the very fortunate position of being able to decide myself when my international career ends. For me, that time is now.”
Blair explained that his decision was partly based on his family circumstances and also to give the Scotland team the chance to plan ahead for the next World Cup in England in 2015.
The former British and Irish Lions player, who left Edinburgh for French side Brive in the summer said: “There’s no doubt that moving our family to France has played a part in my decision.
“Our son Rory is now at school here and we have an 11-week-old daughter, Lucy, who was born in Brive.
“However, it’s a combination of reasons that’s led to my standing down from international rugby, not just one factor.“For me a place in the squad at the Rugby World Cup in 2015 is not a realistic personal target and, with that in mind, it’s right for Scottish rugby and the Scotland team, that other players gain experience in a pivotal position.”
Blair was a regular starter for Scotland last year and captained the team for the final time in June in the victory over Samoa.
He added: “The fact that I still feel attuned to playing at international level has made the decision harder but it’s not been reached lightly and I’m very confident that it’s the right decision.”
