TOMMY SEYMOUR has announced his retirement from professional rugby, bringing the curtain down on a career which saw him score 48 tries in 150 appearances for Glasgow Warriors, score 20 tries in 55 caps for Scotland between 2013 and 2019, and tour New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 (finishing as the trip’s top try-scorer with three although he didn’t make the Test squad).
In an instagram post, Seymour said:
“Firstly an important thank to Ulster Rugby for starting me on this journey, picking me out of obscurity and showing me what is possible.
“To the Warriors, a club that made a home and wove me into its tapestry. Thank you for believing in me and for having faith when you had no reason to. This is my club, this is my home and I’ll never forget what it was to live and play here.
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“To the fans that support this club so passionately, it was the greatest privilege to stand behind that badge and represent you in this beautiful game.
“To All the staff I’ve been so fortunate to work with over my years, your help and presence in my career will never be forgotten. I can’t thank you enough and it was a pleasure to have dealt with you all.
“I want to also say a special mention to Dr. James Robson. You have been the greatest friend to my family and I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for us. It’s people like you like make this game so special.
“To the coaches that paved my way into the professional game and who kept me in it, your help, guidance and faith cannot be paid back. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love for so long.
“To my brothers past and present. You are why the game is so special to me, and why I will miss it. Teammates have turned into friends and friends have turned into family. For everything you have done, not just for me but also my wife and kids over the years, from the bottom of my heart – thank you.
“To Shaun, for all your faith, hard work and advice from day 1. You’ve been invaluable as an agent but more importantly as a friend.
“My Family, Mum, Dad, Holly and Sam. Your unwavering love and support has meant so so much and I couldn’t have done it without you all. I can only hope I’ve made you proud .
“Lastly and most importantly to my wife Katy and my beautiful kids. You’ve been the backbone that held everything together. I wouldn’t have achieved and had this career without your love and support. The moments were made special because you were there to share them. I’m so proud to be be your husband and father.
“Time to check out a different type of life.”
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Warriors head coach Danny Wilson paid tribute to the 32-year-old. “Having made over 150 appearances for Glasgow in 10 years at the club, representing his country and playing for the British and Irish Lions, Tommy has achieved a huge amount in the game,” he said.
“He will be missed and his achievements within the game should be celebrated. He’s a well respected leader here at Glasgow and has done a lot for both club and country.
“It’s a shame he hasn’t been available to us for more games this season, however, he has worked day in day out to ensure the team taking the field are fully prepared.
“He has been a fantastic servant to the club and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Glasgow Warriors Managing Director and former captain Al Kellock added: “I’ve known Tommy for almost 10 years. He’s an incredible rugby player but more importantly a great man.
“He has put a huge amount of himself into this club and has helped enormously on the journey we have gone through.
“He has led by example both on and off the field and is an example to every young player coming through because you won’t see anyone working harder on their game than Tommy Seymour.
“I’d like to thank Tommy and his wife Katy on behalf of everyone associated with Glasgow Warriors for all that they have given.”
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Class act!
one of the very best, and his farewell message oozes class.
If we signed him today the howls of he is not really Scottish enough would bring this place crashing down
Another Glasgow great , hangs up the boots and leaves us with some great tries and memories and always total commitment. Thanks Tommy for some great tries including your three for the Lions. We will miss you on the wing in the future, good luck for your own own personnel future.
I must say that retirement instagram post of Tommy Seymour’s was something special and speaks volumes about the character of the bloke.
I would like to think that there is somewhere in Scottish Rugby that will gain from his knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the game.
Finally, thanks for the pleasure of those Tries that got us out of our Seats and on our feet cheering.
Dear Head Coach, recruit a few more with his attitude, commitment and skill and life will get much easier for you and Warriors supporters. Good luck for your post playing career TS.
Sad to hear he is stopping pro rugby completely.
Great servant to Glasgow and Scotland.
Best wishes for the future.
Without question one of the finest wingers to have played for Scotland and a real pleasure to have seen him play. Best wishes on his retirement.
Oh no, just seems too soon. I know he’s been injured much of the season but I still had hopes of seeing Tommy maurauding down the wing again in Warriors colours. But what a player and a servant to Glasgow and Scotland. Our 2015 Championship winning back three of Tommy, DTH and Hoggy had invention and tries written all over them. Thanks for all the entertainment Tommy and best of luck to you and the family in the next chapter.
Very best wishes for the future – some very special tries for Glasgow and Scotland – thank you.
Great servant of Glasgow. Ireland’s loss most definitely. One of my favourite players…hope him and Katy have a great life outside of rugby.
Rock on, Tommy!
Brilliant servant to the game in scotland, left the national set up in a far better place than how he found it. Thank you tommy
Thanks for the entertainment and all the best for the future Tommy.