Scotland’s seven stars Jamie Farndale and Robbie Fergusson to retire

Sevens stalwarts Jamie Farndale and Robbie Fergusson are to retire after more than 560 games for Scotland and Great Britain between them.

Farndale made his debut in 2015 and Fergusson first featured two years later.

They have amassed just shy of 1,300 points between them and will bid farewell to the sport after Great Britain Sevens failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Both Farndale and Fergusson have captained Scotland’s sevens team and appeared at two Commonwealth Games. They would also have each featured at consecutive Rugby World Cup Sevens had Fergusson not missed the 2022 tournament for the birth of his second child.

On his sterling career, Farndale said: “There are so many moments that will live with me forever.

“In terms of a highlight, it is hard to look past becoming the first and only Scottish team to beat the All Blacks on the way to beating England in their own back yard to lift the [World Rugby Sevens Series] trophy at Twickenham in 2017. That day was so incredibly special!”

Fergusson added: “Off-field the memories and friendships I have made will last a lifetime.

“On-field, making the Olympic squad for 2020 is a career highlight and more recently, beating Australia in Singapore to keep Great Britain on the World SVNS Series circuit was very special.”

Ciaran Beattie, under whom both Fergusson and Farndale captained Scotland, paid tribute to the pair, saying: “It’s been a privilege to see Robbie and Jamie grow into the players and people that they have.

“They’re exceptional human beings, have always helped others coming through and they represented Scotland with distinction.”