Former Scotland and Edinburgh half-half Scott Steele has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 30.
The four-cap Scotland international has decided to hang up his boots after undergoing a third hip operation.
Steele joined Edinburgh at the start of the season from Harlequins, but failed to play a single minute of rugby due to his recent hip problem.
The scrum-half represented Leicester Tigers and London Irish before moving to Harlequins. During his time at Stoop he earned his first cap for Scotland against Wales in October 2020.
He made three further international appearances, including an appearance off the bench in Scotland's first win over England at Twickenham in 38 years in 2021.
Combinations
United Rugby Championship
Edinburgh
Münster
A statement from Steele said: “After three years of suffering from injuries and while currently recovering from my third hip operation, I have decided to retire from professional rugby at the end of this season.
“My career has exceeded any expectations I had initially when it all started at my local rugby club Dumfries Saints. To go on and represent such prestigious clubs as Leicester Tigers, London Irish and Harlequins and play for Scotland four times is something I am extremely proud of.
“Thank you to my family and close friends for their support that gave me the belief to pursue my dream job and stick with it for 13 long years. Thank you to all the coaches and support staff in all the teams I was involved in. Thank you to the different medical teams for taking care of me and getting me back to normal.
“To the loyal fans of the teams I represented, I can't thank you enough. A huge thank you to everyone at Edinburgh Rugby who have been fantastic during a very disappointing season with them.
“Finally, thank you to all my teammates over the years. You are the reason I gave it my all every time I stepped on the field and you are the reason I enjoyed the last 13 years so much.
