Chris Paterson set to call time on record-breaking Scotland career

The 33-year-old from Galashiels made his debut for Scotland in the 1999 Rugby World Cup against Spain, before he had even signed his first pro contract, and he has been a model professional throughout the past 12 years.

However, he has struggled in recent years with a series of hip and groin injuries that worsen through training and particularly with goal-kicking practise. The serious kidney injury he suffered playing for Scotland against Wales in 2010 on the occasion of his 100th cap also forced him out of the game for six months, and he was told by medics that it had had the potential to end his career entirely.

He has taken a back seat in kicking this year due to the agony but fought through the pain barrier in the World Cup to kick for Scotland, becoming the first Scotland player to feature in four World Cup tournaments and his last game coming against England in what became a disappointing World Cup pool exit.

Paterson was the world’s most accurate goal-kicker for several seasons and will end his Test career with 809 points from 109 appearances – from 22 tries, 90 conversions, 170 penalties and three drop-goals - the most points and caps ever amassed by a Scotland internationalist. He also played in non-Test matches and so appeared over 110 times in a Scotland jersey.

Paterson has played at full-back, wing and stand-off for Scotland and was the youngest Scot to earn 50 caps, when he took the field against South Africa in 2004 and duly went on to score what was hailed as the IRB Try of the Season for that year.

Paterson was hoping to keep the announcement, to be made at a press conference at Murrayfield this afternoon, under wraps until today but the SRU embargo was broken by media organisations which is why we bring you the news now.

A full interview and reflection on Paterson’s career, with tributes from payers past and present, will appear in Thursday’s Scotsman.

Chris Paterson’s Scotland record

Test caps: 109

Tries: 22

Conversions: 90

Penalties: 170

Drop goals: 3

Points: 809