Edinburgh and Scottish international Hooker Stuart McInally has announced that he will retire from the game at the end of this season.

Playing for the club for 12 seasons, McInally has played 176 games for the Scottish capital as well as earning 47 test caps for Scotland. 

The 32-year-old will now shift his focus towards becoming a commercial airline pilot, having started flying back in 2013. 

Scotland hooker and Edinburgh Rugby legend Stuart McInally will hang up his boots when his contract finishes this November to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot ✈️

More ➡ https://t.co/O2u6tYDe7z pic.twitter.com/v0kJB1EIqc

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) April 19, 2023

Speaking on his decision to make such a drastic career switch, McInally said: "It was really tough knowing this was the moment to move on," he said. 

"I always thought it would be really easy to retire because I've always known what I want to do after rugby - become a pilot - but stepping away from the club I love is massive, and it's been a huge decision. 

"While I'm obviously sad to be moving on, this decision has really been 10 years in the making," he added. 

"I started flying back in 2013, and a lot of work has gone in to get to this point. I'm now massively excited to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot."

Commenting on one of his key player’s decision to move on from his rugby career, Edinburgh coach Mike Blair said: "He'll go down as one of Edinburgh's most celebrated players because of his commitment to the jersey and dedication to being the best player he can possibly be for his boyhood team. 

"He's the definition of a complete professional, and his teammates look up to him because of his leadership."

Having initially begun his career in the backrow, McInally switched to Hooker in 2013 and has gone on to have a stellar career as a one-club player (outside of a brief loan to Bristol) for Edinburgh.

Thanks to @EDI_Airport for hosting this one #AlwaysEdinburgh PART 1 https://t.co/XmcA0plzSt

— Stuart McInally (@McInallyStuart) April 19, 2023