BORDERS rugby star Mark Robertson has announced he is retiring from the game.

The winger from Melrose has enjoyed an illustrious career has scored 103 tries to date.

He was also a key member of the Team GB squad which took sliver in the Rio Olympics last summer.

In a statement, Robertson said: "From running around on the Melrose touchlines at six years old to representing my country at the Hong Kong sevens, I've had the rugby bug for as long as I can remember.

"Calling time on that career is the single hardest decision I've ever had to make. 

"I am incredibly proud to have represented Scotland on the World Sevens Series over the past decade and to have played my part in helping develop a strong national sevens programme.

"I've been lucky enough to experience many unforgettable moments throughout my career but the highlights for me include reaching the final in my first Melrose 7s, winning the final leg of the World Series at Twickenham and representing Team GB in Rio 2016.

"None of these achievements would have been possible, however, without the support of the people around me.

"I'd like to thank all my teammates and coaches from my time at Melrose, the Border Reivers, Edinburgh, Scotland Sevens and GB Sevens, along with the team at Red Sky Management.

"I also want to say a special thank you to a few people. Firstly, to Craig Chalmers and Rob Moffat, who saw potential in me and gave me the platform to grow and develop as a young player.

"Secondly, my mum and dad for following me around the world and for their unwavering support through all the highs and lows of the past 11 years.

"Finally to my wife Alexa for putting up with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being married to someone reliant on his body being in a functional state to make a living!

"Even though my days on the pitch will soon be over, rugby will always be a big part of me and I'm excited to see where the game might take me in the future.

"It has given me so much – both on and off the field – and I'm looking forward to sharing this knowledge and experience with others who share my love of this fantastic sport."