Passé par Montpellier, Castres et Bayonne, Johnnie Beattie raccroche les crampons !

Il aura donc fini sa carrière sur une montée en Top 14, avec l'Aviron Bayonnais. Non conservé par le club basque, sans club depuis cet été, Johnnie Beattie a donc décidé de mettre un terme à sa carrière, à l'âge de 34 ans. Le 3e ligne, international écossais (38 sélections de 2006 à 2015), est un visage bien connu des pelouses françaises.

Après avoir débuté chez les Glasgow Warriors, en Ligue Celte, Beattie signe à Montpellier, en 2012. Jusqu'en 2017, il disputera 72 rencontres de Top 14 sous le maillot du MHR, puis du Castres Olympique et de l'Aviron Bayonnais.

Sur Instagram, l'Ecossais a officialisé sa retraite et sa "petite mort, comme on dit en France."

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

That inevitable moment in every sportsperson’s career has arrived. After sixteen years of rugby life in Scotland and France, the time is right to retire from playing the sport I love professionally. ‘La petite mort’ as they say in France. Rugby introduced me to some of my best mates when I was five years old, as we discovered the sport together. Professional rugby has allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people, from all over the world. The inspirational places, people, experiences, tournaments, supporters, anthems and matches were all a privilege to be part of, and I realise I have been very fortunate to live out my dreams practicing and playing my sport. I look forward to applying cultural lessons learned in leadership, teamwork, respect and enjoyment as I move into new adventures. Thank you to Scottish Rugby, and the Barbarians for fulfilling my wildest childhood fantasies. Moreover to Bayonne, Castres, Montpellier and Glasgow for giving me the chance to wear your colours and represent your beautiful cities. Rhys Parsons and Pete Harmsworth for helping shape the journey. I want to thank everyone who has supported me. From volunteers who ran mini rugby at Glasgow Accies for unruly and overly aggressive five year olds, through to every team mate, management team and supporter that I have crossed paths with. Thank you to my parents for providing me with every opportunity, and taxiing me to every sporting event that Glasgow could offer a youngster. Lastly and most importantly to Jen and our beautiful children. We have shared some magical moments abroad that will last a lifetime. Starting our family in France will forever be my proudest achievement. Thank you for all of your love and support as I pursued my rugby dreams. Johnnie X @scotlandteam @barbarians_fc @avironrugbypro @castresolympique @mhr_officiel @glasgowwarriors @glasgowaccies @esportif @esportif_france

Une publication partagée par Johnnie Beattie (@johnniebeattie) le 7 Janv. 2020 à 7 :07 PST