Wednesday 21 December 2011

Paterson Ends Record Breaking


Scotland's record cap holder and points scorer Chris Paterson has announced his international retirement.

The 33-year-old from Galashiels amassed 809 points from 109 appearances.

Paterson scored 22 tries, kicked 90 conversions, landed three drop-goals and kicked 170 penalties in a long and distinguished Scotland career.

He made his Scotland debut against Spain at the 1999 World Cup and his last outing came against England at this year's World Cup in New Zealand.

Paterson, who has been deployed at full-back, wing and stand-off by a succession of managers, was the youngest Scot to earn 50 caps, against South Africa in 2004.

He became the only Scotland player to win 100 caps in the Six Nations match against Wales in 2010.

What should have been a glorious occasion ended prematurely - and painfully - with Paterson suffering a split kidney which forced him to miss the rest of the season.

Paterson, who captained Scotland on 12 occasions, became only the fifth player to score more than 400 points in the history of the Five/Six Nations during last year's competition.

He played in all four of Scotland's games at this year's World Cup, taking his tally to 15 appearances in four tournaments - another Scottish record.

Following defeat by England in Auckland, Paterson said he hoped to carry on representing his country.

However, a hip injury has restricted his kicking contribution this season for Edinburgh, for whom he signed a two-year contract in early 2010.

Paterson will officially announce his retirement from the international game at a news conference later on Wednesday.

CHRIS PATERSON'S SCOTLAND RECORD
Games: 109
Tries: 22
Conversions: 90
Penalties: 170
Drop goals: 3
Points: 809