22 Dec 2011

Paterson retires from rugby

7:35 am on 22 December 2011

Scotland's most capped rugby player Chris Paterson has announced his retirement from the international game.

During a 12-year career with Scotland, Paterson won 109 caps and scored 809 points - both records - and established a reputation as one of the world's most accurate kickers.

Even during his last appearance for Scotland, against England during a 16-12 group stage loss at the World Cup in New Zealand in October, Paterson's kicking was on song.

However, the 33-year-old, who is the only Scot to appear in four World Cups, says the time is right to retire.

Paterson will now focus on club rugby with Edinburgh, who top Pool Two of the Heineken Cup group stages and will look to become the first Scottish winners of Europe's leading club competition.