Glasgow Warriors forward James Eddie retires

Glasgow's longest-serving player, James Eddie, is retiring to join his family's fish merchants business.

The 30-year-old back-row forward has announced he has played his last game after making 126 appearances for Warriors over 10 years.

Eddie has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since last month's victory over Leinster and has decided to step into the family business, the Glasgow-based seafood merchants, W.A.A. Eddie.

Eddie, who won Scotland A caps and represented his country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, told Glasgow Warriors TV: "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.

"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 10 years ago. It's amazing to see how much the club has grown and how the supporters have really got behind the team.

"The fanbase 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 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.

"James has shown resilience in the face of a number of setbacks due to injury and improved year on year in his time as a Warrior.

"We will miss his positive influence around the group and he is someone who will be remembered fondly by everyone at the club."