CHRIS CUSITER HAS announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 33.

The Scottish scrum-half is bringing his playing career to an end in order to set up an alcohol retail business in Los Angeles, focusing on scotch whisky.

Cusiter, who was capped 70 times by Scotland, was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2005.

Having represented Glasgow Warriors, Border Reivers and Perpignan, Cusiter joined Sale Sharks in 2014 but his playing time has been limited this season due to the excellent form of Peter Stringer.

“This is the right time to hang up my boots and move on to the next challenge,” said Cusiter in a statement released by Sale Sharks.

“Playing for Scotland 70 times was more than I could have dreamed of growing up, learning how to play rugby at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.

“The memories of playing for Scotland and touring New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions will be with me forever, and I am grateful for all the incredible experiences I have been afforded through rugby.”

Cusiter added: “I’ve been fascinated by the scotch whisky industry for the past few years and firmly believe that it is Scotland’s finest and greatest export and something to be very proud of.”

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!