John Leslie bows out of rugby

Former Scotland captain John Leslie has announced his retirement from rugby, stating that Friday's match for Otago against Auckland in New Zealand's NPC will be his last.

The 33-year-old native New Zealander played 32 Tests for Scotland, three as captain, and notched up 124 games for Otago, who he led to the NPC title in 1998.

The centre also had stints with both Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints, making a total of 72 appearances in Zurich Premiership before return home to New Zealand at the end of the 2003/04 season.

"To finish back up in Otago has been great. But in rugby terms, it is time for me to move on," the New Zealander told the Otago Daily Times.

"It is hard to explain. But the time just feels right and I am excited about future opportunities in business and rugby.

"Returning to Otago was always a romantic notion of mine, I guess. I always wanted to come back and live in Dunedin and enjoy what it has to offer."

Leslie will still be involved in rugby in Otago as he plans to start coaching at under-21 level initially.

"I really want to play a major role in Otago rugby in the future," he said.

"I want Otago rugby to be going well and I think the best thing I can do to play a part in that is learn to be a good coach."

Leslie, son of All Black Andy and brother of former Scotland flanker Martin, made his debut for Scotland in 1998 against South Africa, and won the last cap against Wales in 2002.

He will perhaps be remembered best for scoring Test rugby's fastest ever try - collecting a cheeky Duncan Hodge switch kick to dot down after just 10 seconds of Scotland's Six Nations game against Wales at Murrayfield in 1999.