Glasgow Warriors and Scotland hooker Fraser Brown will retire at the end of the season after almost a year out with a knee injury. 

The announcement comes after Brown ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) playing for a World XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham last May. 

Brown, who made 141 appearances for Glasgow and won the Pro12 with the club in 2015, had hoped to return following an operation last summer. But he has now decided to hang up his boots. 

Having started his career as a back-row, Brown moved to hooker and earned a Glasgow contract in 2013, the same year he won the first of his 61 caps for Scotland.

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Brown also captained the national team on one occasion, a 2020 win over Georgia; while he played at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. 

Confirming his decision to retire, Brown - who is also head coach of the Watsonians Super Series side - said: "It’s still slightly surreal to think this will be the end of my playing career

“I’m fairly level-headed about it just now, but I’m sure I’ll get a bit emotional about it at some point in the near-future.

“There have been so many moments I’ll look back at with pride from my time at Glasgow. The title run is obviously up there, and some of the performances from reaching the first-ever quarter-final in Europe in 2016/17 stick in my memory.

"The home and away wins over Racing, the atmosphere at Scotstoun for the win over Leicester and then going down to win 43-0 at Welford Road – that first half is probably as close to a perfect 40 minutes as I’ve ever experienced.

“The run to the 2019 final, too, is a highlight– that was a brilliant environment with some outstanding players and coaches, and the semi-final win over Ulster at Scotstoun is right up there. Last season is right up there, as well; we were getting written off a bit after a disappointing end to the previous season, but Franco coming in and getting back to appreciating hard work and everyone digging in makes it a season I really enjoyed.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some brilliant people, too – there’s too many to mention, but that probably shows the quality of people that Glasgow has been fortunate enough to have come through the system over the last 12 years.

“To have been able to represent Scotland is a massive honour, too. I never thought I would get one cap, so to get to 50 – and beyond – was a huge moment for me. Until you experience it, you possibly don’t appreciate how intense an environment Test rugby really is, and again I’ve been fortunate enough to have some amazing people alongside me along the journey.

“My gratitude that goes towards everyone that’s supported me throughout the years is beyond words. Playing at Scotstoun and Murrayfield are the two most enjoyable atmospheres I’ve had the privilege of playing in, and it’s impossible to describe that little bit extra adrenaline the noise of the crowd gives you. It’s all-encompassing. It’s why people love playing for this club, and thank you to everyone.”

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith added: “Fraser is the epitome of a modern professional, and someone who should serve as a role model to any young player starting their journey.

“The respect with which he is held, not only within the Glasgow Warriors community but within the wider rugby family, should serve to underline the achievements he has earned throughout his career and the manner in which he has achieved them.

“His work ethic and determination to bring the best out of the people and players around him has been clear to all throughout his career.

“I wish him the very best for whatever comes next, and I know he will apply that same work ethic and determination that made him one of this club’s most distinguished Warriors.”