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International

Mike Blair announces retirement from international rugby - OTD

By PA
Lions player Mike Blair looks on during British and Irish Lions training at Bishops School on June 15, 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former Scotland captain Mike Blair announced his retirement from international rugby on this day in 2013.

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Blair made the decision in order to focus on life in France, where he was playing for Brive, while also allowing Scotland to uncover fresh options at scrum-half in time for the 2015 World Cup.

Stepping down from the world stage as a 31-year-old, he had made 85 appearances for the team and led the side 14 times.

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Joe Simmonds on potential England selection

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Joe Simmonds on potential England selection

“I’m in the very fortunate position of being able to decide myself when my international career ends. For me, that time is now,” said Blair, who retired despite remaining a regular starter.

“The fact that I still feel attuned to playing at international level has made the decision harder, but it’s not been reached lightly and I’m very confident that it’s the right decision.”

The 2009 British and Irish Lions tourist spent only one season at Brive and after two years with Newcastle, he joined Glasgow before his playing career ended in 2016.

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ZaneBosson 31 minutes ago
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It’s Because Reko is not center Material he is a wing. Put him on the wing I think he will be better suited for that position.

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Chiefs Mana 32 minutes ago
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Lakai and Karifi are playing great footy

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PK 36 minutes ago
Jack Boyle: 'I gave my Ireland jersey to 'Church', he's done so much for me'

I wonder did Jack notice, but “Church” has rather a lot of Ireland Jerseys already. 😀

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Mzilikazi 52 minutes ago
Why the Brumbies are still the best team in Australia

Apologies for this delayed response, Carlos. For some reason I had difficulty finding this article again. There are so many poignant stories like that of your 19 year old relative. What a waste of life that war was, indeed any war is. I had only one relative, an uncle, involved at the Western Front. He was injured at the battle of the Somme, but survived to live on into his 80’s.


I can remember my father talking of the villages in his home area of Ulster, where every single house in some had lost someone on the first day of the battle of the Somme. And a few years ago we were visiting friends in a little town in N. NSW, Walgett. They were saying that the town really never recovered from losing so many young men in WW1.


It must have been so moving for you to visit the W. Front area, and to stand at the grave of the young man who died so young, and now so long ago.

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BH 1 hour ago
Jack Boyle: 'I gave my Ireland jersey to 'Church', he's done so much for me'

Looking forward to seeing how he progresses over the next few years. I can see his strengths in open play, but ultimately Props are remembered for their scrum game. Hope he doesn't lose sight of that.

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Cantab 1 hour ago
Hurricanes' backs in All Black contention because of what 'Rieko is not getting' at the Blues

No argument there. Ioanes proper position is as a winger whereas as Proctor is a fine centre who does know how to offload. Only problem with that is that AB selectors are a conservative bunch who don’t like to change too much.

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Greicy Mariana 1 hour ago
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RedWarriors 1 hour ago
'Rugby is kind of at a junction here': Henry Pollock on rugby values

I suppose teams are tight for cash. But the heart of rugby is surely what a great team game it is. I’ve read a few US posters who have said the attraction is the teamwork, fairplay and mutual respect. Its the same in developing countries like Portugal/Belgium/Spain etc where the fanatical base are into the game itself. That’s what a sport should be. Again it maybe that professional teams feeling the cosh have no choice but to make money making king.


What Pollock said is ludicrous: I shouldn’t watch the Leinster/Northhampton match because I dont like his showboating? I actually don’t mind that mistake. Thats just a young man saying something in error.

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OJohn 1 hour ago
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You do realise the original Rebels owner was a kiwi don't you ? You moron.

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Hellhound 2 hours ago
Irish provinces in danger of being left further behind, in their own country

I wouldn't be so arrogant in my assessment of Leinster's chances. While a good side, they have fallen every year by the wayside due to the Bulls. 4th URC season. In 3 of those the Bulls knocked Leinster out. As a matter of fact, the Bulls have won the most games against Leinster. They played 6 times against each other now. It's now 4 to 2 in the Bulls favour. Dismiss the Bulls at your own peril and arrogance, and keep crying when they lose again. The Bulls biggest competition isn't Leinster. At its strongest the Bulls beat them twice with a full Irish international squad against them. Leinster beat the Bulls twice. Their second string in both games. They haven't managed to beat a full strength Bulls team yet. And next year 3 more Boks join the Bulls. Handre Pollard included. No, the Bulls biggest challenge is an SA side like the Stormers or Sharks.

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Tom 2 hours ago
'Bath should be planning their open-top bus parade'

Fair. It's still a factor though if it's a winner take all league, potentially dropping 8-10 points over 2 games where half your first team is missing is a still a big deal.

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Hellhound 2 hours ago
Irish provinces in danger of being left further behind, in their own country

Everything you say I agree with except that the SA sides are underdogs. The Bulls are Leinster's bogey team. They have beaten a full Irish team parading as a club team twice. They have beaten their second string team, the future of Leinster. Leinster end top each season, and it's an SA side that axe them every year. The log is purely for weeding out weaker teams. Top of the log doesn't give you a title, only advantage and Leinster just like the Irish international team is chokers in knock out rugby these days. The reason for the choking is unknown because they have some excellent players, but my suspicion is arrogance. They think they are the best in the world. They can't win a club competition, not a world cup. Coaches can only do so much. It's up to the players to perform and they just don't. That is why they are a laughing stock, and they shouldn't be. Not with the quality they have. In short, Leinster is overrated. Their biggest fear is to face the Bulls before the Finals of the URC. This is the 4th season of the URC. Bulls knocked out Leinster in 2 semi finals and a quarter final.

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Timmyboy 2 hours ago
'Rugby is kind of at a junction here': Henry Pollock on rugby values

So many miserable people out there just wanting to criticise or judge.

He’s a young sportsman having a bit of fun , full of enthusiasm for the game he loves.

Heaven forbid!!

Cheer up you depressing grumps !

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GV 3 hours ago
How France injected new life into women's rugby at Twickenham

I can't believe people actually watch this sh!te.

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Derek Murray 4 hours ago
How France injected new life into women's rugby at Twickenham

Hi Nick. Thanks for this. The wide tackling wasn’t up to snuff at all. The offloading and straight carrying from the two big French locks and the 7, was damn impressive though. England showed heart though - kept scoring to stay ahead when under fire.


I was part of a large crew at the game with 15 girls from Barnes u14’s and another 30 adults. Beautiful weather, great atmosphere and a terrific match - what more could you ask for as a precursor for the last game of the season the next day where we played off in 3v4 Surrey final (lost, sadly)?


One thing Twickenham needs to do is add more permanent female toilet facilities. Not one adult women in the party failed to mention the massive time required for a break.

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IkeaBoy 4 hours ago
Damian McKenzie remains sidelined for Chiefs' Wellington visit

Wallace sells tickets! He is BOX OFFICE!

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I
IkeaBoy 4 hours ago
Damian McKenzie remains sidelined for Chiefs' Wellington visit

D’Mac, when are you coming back? My little D’Mac, when are you coming back?


Get rested up and get the kicking boots back on for the knock-outs!

4 Go to comments
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