‘He should be celebrated as one of our greatest internationalists’

Tributes to the Scotland career of Chris Paterson – known by his nickname ‘Mossy’ – were led yesterday by the former prop and current SRU President Ian McLauchlan and Scotland national coach Andy Robinson.

“What an example Mossy has set over his years in a Scotland jersey,” said McLauchlan. “Brave and dedicated, his consistency – whether in goal-kicking, running in open play or cover-tackling – has shone like a beacon.

“I know he’ll continue to give his all for Edinburgh and I very much hope that Scottish rugby will be able to tap into his many qualities going forward.”

Robinson coached England teams against Paterson and persuaded him to return to Scotland in 2008, after a year at Gloucester, before becoming an even greater fan as his national coach.

He commented: “What a fantastic career Chris has had for Scotland. He should be celebrated as one of Scotland’s greatest ever internationalists.

“I respect his decision and thank him for all he has done. Having coached against him, he was a player I always earmarked as a real threat, and coaching him has been a delight, because of his many attributes, not least that constant desire to get better.”

The one coach that Paterson held up as his greatest inspiration was his former teacher at Galashiels Academy, Rob Moffat, who coached him at age-grade level, gave him his first taste of pro rugby with Glasgow and then coached him at Edinburgh. Moffat similarly views Paterson as an inspiration for younger generations, stating: “Chris is the model professional with the sort of family support that means he would always have his feet on the ground.

“He never wants to be second; a real competitor with relentless determination to improve his game.

“At times over the last two to three years he has played the best rugby of his career.

“He’s worked very, very hard and young people have to realise that, if it ever was the case, the days you could rely on natural ability alone have long since gone.”

Paterson followed Gregor Townsend from Gala into the Scotland set-up and went on to overtake his fellow Borderer’s record of 82 caps. Townsend added: “When I think of Chris, the words professionalism, competitor and humility are closely linked to how he has conducted himself over his illustrious career.

“I’d also add inspirational, as I can only imagine the many thousands of kids that have taken up the game in Scotland thanks to his exploits on the field and exemplary demeanour off it.

“The way he has dedicated himself to self-improvement has also inspired many of his teammates to raise their standards and ask themselves if they have done enough to reach their potential.

“He has always been one of the first out on the field at training, full of positivity and enthusiasm, and definitely the last to leave the training field.

“It is apt that two of the best goal-kickers in world rugby have announced their retirements from international rugby so close together.”