Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Hines Retires from International Rugby


Scotland forward Nathan Hines has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 34-year-old lock won 77 caps for Scotland during an 11-year spell.

The Australia-born player, currently with French side Clermont Auvergne, was called up for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2009.

"He is one of Scotland's toughest ever competitors and a fantastic role model for all young Scottish players," said Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.

Hines suffered two major injuries either side of making his Scotland debut against New Zealand, keeping him out of rugby for 18 months.

He made himself unavailable for selection in 2005 while Scotland were coached by Matt Williams, returning to the international fold under Frank Hadden.

Scotland attack coach Gregor Townsend, who played alongside Hines between 2000 and 2003, said: "I first met Nathan when he joined our tour to New Zealand as a replacement in 2000.

"What an effort he made to come back from serious injury early in his career and he went on to become one of the best ever players to pull on the Scotland jersey.

"I thought he was really unlucky on the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa.

"He played so well yet did not get into the Test team and, remember, he played in the back-row on that tour and looked the part, which shows what a player he is."