Christine Belisle has announced her retirement from professional rugby.
The Canadian-born tighthead prop earned 42 caps for Scotland before stepping away from the international scene in January.
And now, after playing for the famous select side the Barbarians versus Wales at Allianz Stadium Twickenham at the weekend, the 32-year-old – who was most recently with Loughborough Lightning in the PWR and used to play for Cartha Queens Park north of the border – has stepped back from the top level of the game completely.
She said on Instagram: “That’s a wrap, the rumours are true – the time has come to hang my rugby boots up for good and I honestly couldn’t have wished for a better way than to do so than as a Baa Baa.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to close out my career on my terms, and although I’m genuinely excited for what’s to come, it does feel bittersweet.
“This sport has given me so much, it’s not only responsible for laying the foundations of who I’ve grown into as a person, but has delivered so many unforgettable experiences – both on and off the pitch – and has given me the opportunity to connect with some of the greatest people, people who have become my closest friends and family and who have made my last 11 years in the UK feel truly like home.
“And with the sadness of knowing it’s all over now, I still can’t help but think ‘how lucky am I to have been a part of all of this?’ and I don’t even think I can grasp it yet.
“I don’t know where to begin in terms of saying thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me – team mates, coaches, backroom staff and the fans, you have made this chapter of my life something I know I’ll look back on with the deepest gratitude and love.
“I’m so looking forward to what’s to come in this new chapter and, although I won’t be lacing up my boots any more, you will absolutely see me in the stands.
“Thanks for being here and coming along for the ride.”
In the Barbarians game, Belisle and co lost out 34-17 on Saturday to the Welsh with her fellow Scots Sarah Bonar, Caity Mattinson and Jenny Maxwell also involved.
- It was not to be for Scotland caps Emma Wassell and Rachel Malcolm on Sunday as Trailfinders Women lost out in the PWR English top flight final to Saracens 52-14 at the Twickenham Stoop in front of over 8,000 supporters.
Saracens scored 26 unanswered points in the first half as Julia Omokhuale, Marlie Packer twice and Sydney Gregson crossed for tries.
Jess Breach and Alysha Corrigan raced over immediately after the break before Trailfinders hit back through Maya Montiel and Abi Burton either side of a Zoe Harrison score. Breach’s second try finished things off.
Christine Belisle is pictured – thanks to the Barbarians
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