Hines calls it quits

SCOTLAND LOCK Nathan Hines has announced his international retirement, citing family reasons for doing so.

The Australian-born Hines was capped 77 times for Scotland between 2000 and 2011 and also represented the British Lions in 2009.

His last test was Scotland’s 16-12 pool loss to England at the Rugby World Cup.

“It’s not a decision I've taken lightly,” he told scotlandrugbyteam.org.

“Leann (wife) and I want to have another kid and that will probably involve going through IVF again and with the Six Nations coming up then a tour next summer that would be really difficult.

“Our son Josh starts school in January and that would make it hard to travel like I’ve done in the past.”

At 34, he also doubted he would be around for the 2015 RWC in England.

“I wanted to finish my career on my terms and didn't want to be the player that played one year too many.”

Coach Andy Robinson paid tribute to Hines.

“It has been a real pleasure to coach Nathan over the last two years,” he says.

“He is a one of Scotland's toughest ever competitors and a fantastic role model for all young Scottish players.”