Scotland prop bows out
Scotland’s most-capped prop Allan Jacobsen on Monday announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 34-year-old Edinburgh prop, nicknamed Chunk, made his Scotland debut against Canada in 2002 and retires with 65-Test caps to his name.
“To play international rugby you have to be absolutely committed. You have to make sacrifices and do all the extra stuff in training and preparation to be right,” Jacobsen told www.scottishrugby.org.
“I’ve always tried to do that throughout my career and playing for Scotland has meant the world to me.
“But the minute there is the possibility of it feeling like a chore . . . well, that’s the slippery slope for me and I would never want to do anything that would either devalue the Scotland jersey or anything that I’ve achieved.
“My focus now will be on doing everything I can to bring success to Edinburgh.”
Scotland Rugby Union president Alan Lawson said: “Chunk is one of the most popular characters in the game in Scotland. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and supporters have always been able to identify readily with him.
“On behalf of all Scotland supporters I thank Allan for his dedication and bravery in a Scotland jersey and wish him all the best as he continues to serve Edinburgh as a loyal club man.”
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson commented: “Chunk has been a great servant of the Scotland team and on behalf of the team management I want to thank him for all his endeavours.
“I particularly admire how hard he worked to fight back from injury after the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the effort he put in to be our starting prop in all four games at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
“Chunk has often said that rugby has been good for him and his family and now that he wants to make his wife Gayle and daughter Maisie a bigger priority, then I’m sure all rugby people will support Chunk at this time and in the future.”
Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley said: “We fully respect and empathise with Chunk’s decision to retire from international rugby.
“Having spoken with him it’s absolutely clear that he is 100% committed to the Edinburgh Rugby cause.
“He is a fans’ favourite and everyone involved in the club looks forward to seeing him back in the black and red of Edinburgh Rugby, starting with his involvement this Friday against Ospreys at Murrayfield.”
Meanwhile, Scotland lock Richie Gray is the only injury concern ahead of Saturday’s Test against Tonga at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen after he was concussed during the 21-10 loss to South Africa last weekend.
“Richie will now be subject to the return to play protocol following a concussive episode. We have been in contact with his club medical team at Sale Sharks to discuss the management of his injury,” said Scotland team doctor James Robson.
Robson added: “Alasdair Strokosch is continuing his rehabilitation with us following the calf strain he sustained in training last week.”
