Jacobsen retires from tests
Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen has retired from international rugby, the Scottish Rugby Union announced on Monday.
However the 34-year-old loose-head will continue to play for Edinburgh.
Jacobsen's decision means he has called time on a 10-year, 65-cap test career, which started with a debut against Canada in Vancouver in 2002 and ended with a replacement appearance in defeat by world champions New Zealand at Murrayfield on November 11.
He missed last Saturday's loss to South Africa for "personal reasons" and Scotland will begin the post Jacobsen era in their final autumn test against Tonga at Aberdeen Football Club's Pittodrie ground on Saturday.
"To play international rugby you have to be absolutely committed," Jacobsen told www.scottishrugby.org on Monday.
"You have to make sacrifices and do all the extra stuff in training and preparation to be right, explained Jacobsen, who this year surpassed Tom Smith's record as Scotland's most-capped prop.
"I've always tried to do that throughout my career and playing for Scotland has meant the world to me," added the front-row forward, nicknamed 'Chunk'.
"But the minute there is the possibility of it feeling like a chore . . . well, that's the slippery slope for me and I would never want to do anything that would either devalue the Scotland jersey or anything that I've achieved."
However, he insisted he was still motivated to play for Edinburgh, a club he first represented against Australia's ACT Brumbies in 2007 and for whom he has made more than 250 appearances.
"My focus now will be on doing everything I can to bring success to Edinburgh," he stressed.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson said: "'Chunk' has been a great servant of the Scotland team and on behalf of the team management I want to thank him for all his endeavours.
"I particularly admire how hard he worked to fight back from injury after the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the effort he put in to be our starting prop in all four games at last year's World Cup in New Zealand."
Meanwhile Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley said his side were looking forward to having Jacobsen all to themselves.
"He is a fans' favourite and everyone involved in the club looks forward to seeing him back in the black and red of Edinburgh Rugby, starting with his involvement this Friday against Ospreys at Murrayfield."
