Rugby Union: McBryde gives up the day job

Lions and Wales hooker Robin McBryde is to spend the rest of his career which Llanelli and is set to give up his job and commit to playing rugby full-time.

McBryde, who had to return home early from the Lions tour of Australia with a leg injury, is one of the few remaining top-flight players to also hold down a full-time job.

But the 31-year-old international has just signed a three-year extension to his contract with the Scarlets and has decided to concentrate all of his efforts on playing rugby.

‘‘I have been working and playing since I started my career, but with the standard rising each season at club level and the extra high quality games, I think it’s time to go all out and see just how good I can be,’’ he said.

‘‘I always give 100% for club and country, but as the Lions tour proved to me, I can reach the top level in standard if I work at it full-time and that’s what I am going to do this season.

‘‘Although I was disappointed with the injury I picked up in Australia, it was just great to be there. To be involved in something like that is the pinnacle of my career.’’