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Emirates Western Force prop Angus Scott – one of the game’s journeymen, who played for three different Super rugby teams – has announced his retirement from professional rugby on medical grounds.
The 29 year old made the decision after surgery and a rehabilitation program couldn’t fix ongoing heel problems in both feet.
Scott made his Super rugby debut in 2000 playing for the Brumbies against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
He won 12 Super caps with the Brumbies before moving to the Reds for the 2004 season, where he made nine Super appearances.
Scott was an inaugural member of the Emirates Western Force, and picked up 16 Super caps with the Perth-based team, bringing his final tally to 37.
The prop said he was disappointed that he couldn’t finish his career on the paddock but he said he had done everything possible to get back to full fitness.
“I had heel surgery in June and I have been working hard since then to get back on track but my recovery plateau-ed well short of where it needed to be,” he said.
“The reality is, I just can’t run at a level necessary for Super rugby. It seems my feet can’t manage the training load anymore.”
Scott said it was a hard decision to make but his body had made it for him.
“I persevered and fought hard, and I gave it a lot of thought. But, in the end, I’ve been left with no alternative,” he said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a professional rugby player over the past eight years. In fact, it’s been a privilege,” he said.
“Being an inaugural member of the Force is something that will stay with me forever.”
“I will miss the mateship and camaraderie. But all of us have to face up to life after rugby at some stage, and my time is now.”
Emirates Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell said Scott was a handy prop who could play both sides of the scrum.
“Gus was one of the best loosehead props in Australia. It’s just a shame he couldn’t have had one more season, but there’s no controlling these things,” he said.
“We’ll certainly miss his non-stop chatter!”
Mitchell said he hoped Scott would have an ongoing role at the Emirates Western Force, contributing to scrum development and team culture.
He also said Scott’s retirement would present an opportunity for home grown Firepower RugbyWA Academy prop, Kieran Longbottom, to step up.
RugbyWA
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