Speaking to Herald Sport from his home in Brive, Blair felt it was important to do so because of the timing of his decision.

It came just two days before Scott Johnson is scheduled to give his first press conference as Scotland's interim head coach, so the 31-year-old's decision was bound to invite parallels with the arrival of Matt Williams in that role when the Australian persuaded a group of players, including Gregor Townsend, then the most senior back in the national squad, that it was time to go.