Joiner quits professional game

Edinburgh centre/winger Craig Joiner is retiring from the professional game at the age of 31.

Joiner won 25 caps and scored three tries for Scotland and made more than 100 appearances for Edinburgh.

He has spent the last year studying for professional financial qualifications and has now decided to quit the paid rugby ranks.

Frank Hadden, the interim Scotland coach and Edinburgh head coach, said: “Craig has been an outstanding servant to Edinburgh Rugby over the last five years.

“He has played over 100 games since joining our club from Leicester. Although he has not added to his 25 Scotland caps he was able to impart so much of that experience to the younger players.

“An outstanding role model, he was the consummate professional and I am sure his work ethic will serve him well in his next life in private client investment management.”

Joiner added: “It has been a privilege to play the sport I love and be paid for it all these years.

“Playing for Scotland was something I always dreamed of as a child and I was lucky enough to achieve my dream. Over the years, I have woken up every morning looking forward to going to work.

“I am sure that not many people could say that. I have been studying towards a financial qualification and after speaking to people within the industry, I have decided that now is the time to move on.

“In view of the fact that I have achieved so much in rugby, I feel now is the right time. I didn’t want to go out on a low note.”