TIM SWINSON has confirmed that he will retire from playing rugby at the end of the 2019-20 season, bringing down the curtain on a career which saw him pick up 38 caps for Scotland and 139 games for Glasgow Warriors, after joining the club from Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2012.
The 33-year-old has also made a significant impact to the Scottish professional game through his work setting up and then being the first chair of Rugby Players Scotland, the association which represents all contracted players in Scotland. He is currently sitting law exams in preparation for the next stage of his life.
“It’s a hard goodbye to the game I’ve played for the last 14 years, but it’s time to move onto the next adventure,” explained Swinson, in a post on his Instagram accounts. “The memorable games, victories and friendships won’t be lost, but the camaraderie will be missed.
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“Glasgow and Newcastle have given me the opportunity to live my boyhood dream and it has not disappointed; playing in big games, finals and a World Cup felt better than I could have imagined.
“The teammates who shared those highs also made the lows, the injuries and disappointments manageable, I thank you.
“To the fans who make the game what it is – whose support, undaunted by obscure away travel and awful weather, never falters – the game would be in a far worse place without you.
“I would like to thank my family, and in particular my wife, whose own sacrifices allowed me to pursue my dreams – I would never have achieved as much as I have without your support.
“Finally, to my daughters – I hope that I have shown you that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to, and that your childhood dreams can become reality too.”
Warriors head coach Dave Rennie paid tribute to the man he rates as “the sharpest defensive operator” he has encountered.
“Tim has had a wonderful career and it’s fitting that it ends on his terms,” he said. “Possessing a great work ethic, he is a very intelligent lineout forward and his knowledge and one man menace mentality makes him the sharpest defensive operator I’ve worked with.
“Competitive and aggressive, Tim brings a physical edge to training that wasn’t always appreciated by the victims but the hallmark of his game. His commitment to the club and his team-mates was highlighted in rehabbing from two long term injuries over the past couple seasons. His resilience evident throughout.
“Tim has made a massive contribution to the club both on and off the field and we wish him, Ally and their two kids all the best for the future.”
Maybe the last injury decided it for him as he is still only 32. He will be massively missed by all at Scotstoun
well said Dom, also if it’s not Swinson moving to Edinburgh then who?
Good luck Tim on this next phase of your career.
The only thing you done wrong Tim was support the No campaign, but I’m sure you’ve now moved to YES!?