CHRIS Cusiter has called a halt to his playing career at the age of 33 and will begin a new life in Los Angeles, where he plans to build up an alcohol retail business. The scrum-half was capped 70 times for Scotland as well as making one Lions Test appearance in New Zealand, and would have won many more caps but for injury - and his intense rivalry with Mike Blair, who also announced his retirement recently.

First capped in 2004, Cusiter was a part of the wider Scotland squad that prepared for last year’s Rugby World Cup. But, having asked permission to stay with his young family rather go to the training camp in the Pyrenees, he always knew he would only be selected for the tournament itself if any of the other No 9s were injured.

One of the most widely respected players of his generation, Cusiter played professionally for the Border Reivers, Perpignan and most recently Sale Sharks, but at club level made more appearances for Glasgow Warriors than anyone else.

Despite the honours he won, he has remained modest and self-deprecating, qualities that were reflected in the statement issued yesterday to announce his retirement. “As far as my rugby career goes, I considered myself privileged to receive a Scotland ‘A’ cap in 2002,” he said. “If it had ended there at that point then I would have been happy.

“I could never have imagined all the experiences I would be able to have over the next 14 years through rugby - the places I visited, the stadiums I played in, the people I met and the great friends I made. Playing for Scotland 70 times was more than I could have dreamed of growing up learning how to play rugby at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen. The memories of playing for Scotland and touring NZ with the British and Irish Lions will be with me forever and I am grateful for all the incredible experiences I have been afforded through rugby.”

Cusiter explained that his move to the US will allow him to pursue a longstanding interest. “I’ve been fascinated by the Scotch whisky industry for the past few years and firmly believe that it is Scotland’s finest and greatest export and something to be very proud of. I am excited to be involved with a product that I am so passionate about. We will be building an alcohol retail business based in Los Angeles - specialising in craft beer, fine wine and craft spirits with a big focus on Scotch whisky.”