Glasgow Warriors star James Eddie hangs up boots

Glasgow Warriors star James Eddie has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

Eddie is the club's longest serving player and has clocked up 126 appearances during his 10 years with the Guinness Pro12 side.

The 30-year-old back-row, who played for Scotland A and was part of the sevens team which featured in the Commonwealth Games in 2014, will present the match ball ahead of the Warriors final regular season home match against Zebre at a sold-out Scotstoun on Friday night.  

"It was a tough decision to make as rugby has been such a major part of my life, but following my recent injury I felt it was the right time to hang up the boots and move on to the next chapter," Eddie told Glasgow Warriors TV.

"Some of the memories I have out on the pitch are unbelievable. It was very special winning the Guinness Pro12 last season, as well as beating Toulouse over in France in 2009 and making my 100th appearance for the club against Toulon.

"You almost can't compare the club now, to what it was like ten years ago. It's amazing to see how much the club has grown and how the supporters have really got behind the team.

"The fan base is massive now, you see the crowds getting bigger and bigger and it's fantastic that we're now selling out games at Scotstoun when we used to get 1,500 at Firhill. 

"The Glasgow Warriors supporters have always had my back, they've been amazing and I want to thank them for all the support they've given me."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "James has been a great role model for what the Warriors are all about - working hard every day to improve himself and also doing all he can to get the best out of his team-mates. 

"He has also been a great ambassador for the club and is rightly held in high regard from our supporters."