Tommy Seymour retires from professional rugby

April 28, 2021
2297
Ultimate Rugby

An 11-year long career has come to an end for Tommy Seymour who on Wednesday announced his retirement from professional rugby.

One of the most prodigious finishers in club history, the 32-year-old hangs up his boots having crossed the whitewash on 48 occasions in his 150 appearances in Glasgow colours in a career packed with highlights for club, country and the British and Irish Lions. He represented Scotland on 55 occasions scoring 20 tries. Only DTH van der Merwe has scored more tries for the Warriors than Seymour, who found himself at the heart of one of the most momentous and historic periods in Glasgow rugby folklore.

Seymour began his career at Ulster in 2010 before he joined Glasgow a year later. He was eligible for the land of his birth, America and Ireland where he spent many years in Ulster’s academy, or the nation of his mothers birth, Scotland. Seymour chose Scotland and was duly selected for their 2012 Autumn International campaign.

He made his test debut in summer 2013 in South Africa and become one of only five players, at the time, to ever to score tries in 5 successive tests for Scotland including all four in the RWC 2015. In April 2017, he was only one of 2 Scottish players included in the British and Irish Lions tour to NZ, in what was his first tour. In December 2019, Seymour announced his international retirement. He retired as Scotland's fourth-top try-scorer having crossed the paint 20 times in his 55 appearances in a six-year spell, which has taken in two Rugby World Cups (2015 and 2019) and the drawn 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand.

Announcing his retirement, Seymour said: “Although my decision has been made for some time, the words seem almost impossible to write.

“Firstly, to the club that made a home and wove me into its tapestry . Thank you for believing in me and for having faith when you had no reason to. This is my club, this is my home and I’ll never forget what it was to live and play here.

“To the fans that support this club so passionately, it was the greatest privilege to stand behind that badge and represent you in this beautiful game.

“To the physios, S&C and office staff I’ve been so fortunate to work with over my years, your help and presence in my career will never be forgotten. I can’t thank you enough and it was a pleasure to have dealt with you all.

“Lastly and most importantly to my wife Katy and my beautiful kids. You’ve been the backbone that held everything together. I wouldn’t have achieved and had this career without your love and support. The moments were made special because you were there to share them. I’m so proud to be your husband and father.”