Richie Vernon will retire at the end of the current 2018/19 season after a remarkable thirteen year career at the highest level.
Vernon joined London Scottish last summer from Glasgow Warriors and began his transition to life after rugby as he started work with main sponsor Aberdeen Standard Investments alongside his training and playing commitments.
The 24-times capped Scotland international began life with Border Reivers before heading to Glasgow Warriors in the first of two spells where he made just under 100 appearances over a remarkable nine year career in Glasgow. Vernon was also a part of the Warriors squad that won the 2015 Pro12 title and started the semi-final at Scotstoun and the final as they beat Munster in Belfast at the Kingspan Stadium.
As well as a spell with the Sale Sharks in the Premiership where the back rower, who converted to a centre later in his career, accumulated 48 appearances, Vernon also appeared in both the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand and the 2015 World Cup in England.
This season Richie has been a focal point of the London Scottish side. He has featured 14 times, scoring one try in a man of the match performance in January against Nottingham at the RAG. Vernon’s vast experience has also meant he has led the Scots on a couple of occasions this season as captain.
Richie will call time on his professional rugby career and will now focus on life after rugby working in the city.
“After 13 years of professional rugby I know the time is right to hang up the boots. It’s been an incredible experience and one that has allowed me to realise the dreams I had as a young man in representing Scotland and winning a league title with the Warriors. After working for Aberdeen Standard Investments this season, now is the time for me to build my new career in the city and I am really excited for the challenge” said Vernon.
He continued, “I’d like to thank my wife Sophie and my Mum and Dad for their support throughout my career. I’ve been lucky to play for some great clubs with outstanding players, coaches and support staff and I have memories with them that I can treasure for life.”
“I wish London Scottish the best of luck in the future and hope we can end the season on a high.”
Director of Rugby Dave Morris was extremely complimentary of Vernon and everything he has brought to London Scottish.
“London Scottish are very proud to have had Richie with us this season and to be helping with his transition to life after rugby. Although inevitable, you cannot underestimate how hard this transition can be for professional sportsmen and sportswomen. Richie’s contribution goes so much further than just on the field. He is a humble guy considering all he has achieved in the game. He has had a massively positive effect around the Club. He has been a key cultural leader for us and tactically really helped us progress.”
Morris continued, “I can only thank Richie for all he has done both on and off the field whilst congratulating him on an incredible career and I wish him and his wife Sophie the very best for the future. I very much hope we will see them both at The Athletic Ground next season.”
Everyone at London Scottish would like to extend their very best wishes to Richie and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours.
