Glasgow Warriors’ Graeme Morrison to retire

Glasgow's Graeme Morrison is to retire. Picture: SNS

The Scotsman reported last week how Edinburgh pair James King, 27, and Steve Turnbull, 26, had both been forced to retire due to injury.

While Morrison has battled on despite knee problems in recent years, the 30-year-old internationalist has been told by medics he will struggle to regain his best form in the professional arena and could risk long-term damage if he was to continue.

The news was not unexpected, as Warriors coach Gregor Townsend turned the team’s

recent win over the Ospreys into a tribute to Morrison by agreeing to having his nickname, G-Dog, stitched onto the arms of the team jerseys in what was seen as a send-off for the long-serving centre.

Morrison and John Barclay duly led the team onto the park for what proved to be their final games at Scotstoun before retiring and, in Barclay’s case, leaving for the Scarlets.

Morrison was the Warriors’ longest-serving player, the former Dollar Academy pupil joining from Glasgow Hawks in 2003 and going on to make 176 appearances and scoring 110 points during the ten-year spell.

“I’m sad to be leaving the

Warriors,” he said, “but I’ve made the decision after receiving

medical advice.

“My knee has been causing me problems for some time and, after serious consideration following the play-off, I’ve decided it’s the right time for me to stop playing professional rugby as I am not able to continue playing at that level.

“I’ve had an amazing ten years and I’ve really enjoyed working with all the players and coaches. It’s very exciting to see so many talented guys coming through and there is no doubt the club has a very bright future.

“Having spent my whole professional career at Glasgow, the club will always mean a lot to me. I’ll continue to support the team and I hope to be back at Scotstoun for a few games next season to cheer on the boys.”

A talented schoolboy, Morrison picked up caps at age-grade level, completed with ten under-21 caps, before stepping into the senior team’s midfield in 2004.

It was a unique introduction to the Test arena for the youngster, as he was taken on his first tour to Australia by then coach Matt Williams. Four of his first five caps – he would go on to win 35 in all – were earned against the Wallabies and he helped Scotland end a 27-year wait to beat the men from down under in the historic 9-8 win at Murrayfield in 2009.

After his first six Tests, all in 2004, which also included a record win over Japan and loss to South Africa, Morrison had to wait over three years to next represent his country, in the 2008 Six Nations Championship.

Then Scotland coach Frank Hadden turned to Morrison to bolster the midfield and he remained a key part of Andy Robinson’s teams until a series of injuries took an increasing toll on his effectiveness and put him out of the game for longer.

With wins over South Africa and in Argentina also in his

collection, Morrison will look back on a career with many high points.

He agreed, stating: “I’m very proud and privileged to have represented my country. Ever since I can remember I always dreamed of playing for Scotland. There have been many amazing experiences over the years and some great memories that will stay with me for the rest of

my life, such as gaining my first cap and also the series win over in Argentina.

“Whilst I am sad to have stopped playing, I am very

fortunate to have had these

experiences.”

As for what the future holds, he has already taken up an invitation to return to the land of his birth, Hong Kong, and will work with London Scottish and

Hong Kong Scottish, the latter club home to some Scottish friends.

He added: “I’d still like to be involved with rugby in some

capacity and I will be going out to Hong Kong with London Scottish later this month to do some ambassadorial work for Scottish Rugby [the SRU] during the week of the first Lions game.”

Paying tribute to a player who started his international career as his was ending, Townsend said that he had benefited hugely in his first season as head coach as much off the field as on from Morrison’s experience and leadership among a relatively young set of backs.

He said: “Graeme has been a fantastic servant for the club and has been extremely loyal by staying here for his whole professional career.

“He is a true professional and will be missed by everyone at the club. We wish him all the best with whatever career path he chooses and he will always be welcome at Scotstoun.”