 Tom Philip suffered injury with Scotland in 2004 |
Scotland and Edinburgh Gunners centre Tom Philip is taking time out from rugby in the hope of an eventual comeback from serious injury. The 22-year-old, who has five caps, has recovered from a cruciate knee ligament injury but has since been troubled by chronic back and groin pain.
Scotland head coach Frank Hadden said: "It's very sad news, not only for Tom, but also for Scotland and Edinburgh.
"But I respect his decision and hope he can regain good health."
But there remains a question mark over Philip's rugby career.
"There is no point in engaging in speculation if Tom may be able to return to rugby in the future, because such speculation just increases the frustration for Tom," said Hadden.
Philip succumbed to serious knee damage on Scotland's 2004 summer tour of Australasia.
He said: "I have physically recovered from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in my right knee that I suffered on the 2004 summer tour.
"But, throughout the time that I've been trying to get better with my knee, I've been troubled by chronic back and groin pain.
"Back pain is something that I've been accustomed to since I was 13 or 14, but the problem has worsened and, knowing that I'm not fit to play, is immensely depressing for me.
"I've made up my mind that I need to relieve the incessant pressure on me that surrounds the question of when I'd be fit to play again and that taking time out from rugby is the best solution for me."
MMIX
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