Former Scotland forward Tim Swinson to retire at end of the season

Glasgow Warriors stalwart calls time on career at age of 33

Tim Swinson in action for Scotland against the US in 2018.

Former Scotland forward Tim Swinson has confirmed he will retire at the end of the currently suspended 2019-20 season.

The 33-year-old Glasgow stalwart won 38 caps for Scotland and played 139 games for the Warriors, after joining the club from Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2012.

Lately, Swinson has played a leading role in setting up and then being the first chair of Rugby Players Scotland, the association which represents all contracted players in Scotland. He is currently studying for law exams, with a legal career his intended route post-rugby.

“It’s a hard goodbye to the game I’ve played for the last 14 years, but it’s time to move onto the next adventure,” said Swinson in a post on his Instagram accounts. “The memorable games, victories and friendships won’t be lost, but the camaraderie will be missed.

“Glasgow and Newcastle have given me the opportunity to live my boyhood dream and it has not disappointed; playing in big games, finals and a World Cup felt better than I could have imagined.

“The team-mates who shared those highs also made the lows, the injuries and disappointments manageable, I thank you.

“To the fans who make the game what it is – whose support, undaunted by obscure away travel and awful weather, never falters – the game would be in a far worse place without you.

“I would like to thank my family, and in particular my wife, whose own sacrifices allowed me to pursue my dreams – I would never have achieved as much as I have without your support.

“Finally, to my daughters – I hope that I have shown you that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to, and that your childhood dreams can become reality too."