 Hinshelwood's Scotland career has been disrupted by injuries |
Scotland full-back Ben Hinshelwood is taking a year off from international rugby to protect his long-term health. The Worcester player has been limited in training this season by a back problem he describes as "chronic".
Hinshelwood consulted his father Sandy, a former Scotland international, before taking his decision.
"I have spoken to my dad about it quite a bit and he feels it's the right thing to do. We will see how things are at the end of the year," he said.
"If there is a chance to play for Scotland again, then, great. But I have to think about the rest of my life beyond rugby, too."
Hinshelwood, whose Scotland career was interrupted by a broken leg in
2003, said he had little option but to take a rest from the international duty.
"I have a chronic back problem and I need to lessen my training workload rather than the inevitable increase which comes with international rugby."
But Scotland head coach Frank Hadden is confident he will be able to welcome Hinshelwood back next year.
He said: "I have discussed matters with Ben and I understand his
situation.
"We would both hope that his back will be better and that we will be able to
consider him next season."
Hadden was dealt another blow for his preparations for the autumn Test series when Edinburgh centre Rob Dewey was ruled out for up to four months with a shoulder injury. 
MMIX
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