Cusiter leave the game for whisky!
Joining Sale Sharks last season from Glasgow Warriors the scrumhalf reflected on his rugby career.
"As far as my rugby career goes I considered myself privileged to receive a Scotland-A cap in 2002. If it had ended there at that point then I would have been happy," Cusiter said.
Fortunately Cusiter, went on to build an illustrious career. In his 14 year rugby career, he made 70 Scotland appearances, and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions team.
"I could never have imagined all the experiences I would be able to have over the next 14 years through rugby – the places I visited, the stadiums I played in, the people I met and the great friends I made. Playing for Scotland 70 times was more than I could have dreamed of growing up.
"Highlights have included winning the Premiership with Boroughmuir in 2003, winning the Top 14 title with Perpignan in 2009 and reaching the final of the Pro12 with Glasgow Warriors in 2014," he added.
Cusiter has always been mindful of the predictability of a rugby career.
"I have always been aware of the finite nature of a career in professional rugby, particularly given some of the injuries I picked up, and this is the right time to hang up my boots and move onto the next challenge. Now is the time for me to move forward, to something I have been working on alongside my rugby career.
"I've been fascinated by the Scotch whisky industry for the past few years and firmly believe that it is Scotland’s finest and greatest export and something to be very proud of.
"We will be building an alcohol retail business based in Los Angeles – specializing in craft beer, fine wine and craft spirits with a big focus on Scotch whisky," Cusiter said.
"I will forever be indebted to Management for their guidance throughout my career but particularly over this latter stage as I have started looking towards this career transition.
"I cannot wait for the next chapter for me and my family as we embark upon this new adventure in California," Cusiter added.
