Magners League
Macleod opts for Japan move
ESPNscrum Staff
March 28, 2011
Scotland lock Scott Macleod pictured during a training session, Scotland training session, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, February 11, 2011
Macleod has been capped 24 times by Scotland but will cut his ties in favour of a move to the Far East © PA Photos
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Scott MacLeod is to leave Edinburgh at the end of the season to move to Japan and will no longer be considered for Scotland selection.

The 32-year-old second row, who has won 24 caps, will join Kobe Steelers when his current deal expires in the summer after rejecting a contract extension to prolong his two-year stay at Murrayfield. The former Border Reivers and Scarlets lock is excited about the lifestyle opportunity in Japan and has been in regular dialogue with the Steelers in recent weeks following the earthquake earlier this month.

MacLeod has also told Scotland head coach Andy Robinson, who signed the lock for Edinburgh, of his move. "I've massive respect for the national team and for Andy Robinson," he said. "He's the guy who brought me back up here in 2009, and I thoroughly enjoy playing for him. He knows the massive pride I take in representing my country, but I've explained to him that I want to focus my energies on making a success of the move to the Steelers and he understands my position."

Robinson reluctantly accepted Macleod's reasoning for ending is international career, commenting, "Scott is a talented and committed rugby player who I've enjoyed working with at Edinburgh and with Scotland. He's a very honest person, and he's sat down with me to detail his reasons for making himself unavailable for selection. "I respect his decision and will be happy to talk to him if that situation changes."

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