The 33-yearold back row man spent eight years with the Glasgow Warriors before joining Scarlets and leading them to the Pro 14 title in 2017. He joined the Scarlets in 2013 from Glasgow Warriors and has made 98 appearances for the region.
It was during his time at Parc y Scarlets that he resurrected his international career and went on to captain his country. He left the Scarlets after helping them reach a second PRO12 final before heading home to Edinburgh, where injuries restricted him to a mere 15 appearances in two seasons.
“After much thought I’ve decided to call time on my career. When you know, you know. Whilst COVID-19 has left a frustrating finish, the end isn’t about the fairytale. The whole story has been a fairytale,” Barclay said in a statement.
“The opportunity to get to do the thing I loved as a job for 16 years has provided me with enough memories to last a lifetime. I hope I left the clubs I played for in better health than when I joined.”
He won 76 caps for Scotland and played in three Rugby World Cups – 2007, 2011 and 2019. Hi last cap came in December, 2019.
