Former Cardiff Blues wing Blaine Scully has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
The captain of the USA national side became a cult hero during his time at the Welsh capital and hangs up his boots after a decade of playing at the highest level of the game.
Scully departed Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2019 after four seasons at Cardiff Arms Park, where he made 52 appearances.
The American enjoyed a number of memorable moments in Cardiff Blues colours, including a dramatic late try in the Challenge Cup final victory in Bilbao in 2018 and his acrobatic score in the home derby clash against Scarlets, which was voted Try of the Season in 2016/17.
Scully, who also played for Leicester Tigers, won 54 caps for the USA national side, having made his debut against Russia in 2011, and played in three Rugby World Cup campaigns.
He was appointed captain in 2016, racking up an impressive 60 per cent winning record as skipper.
Scully and wife, Shannon, recently celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Sadie.
READ BLAINE SCULLY'S OPEN LETTER HERE
In an open letter, Scully said: “It’s a difficult thing to say that I will no longer be a professional or international rugby player.
“What I loved so much about the game is how it challenged me in every imaginable way. Facing those challenges, not alone, but with a group; a team that you respect and trust, will be what I miss the most.
“The people have always been the best part of the journey. The opportunity to play rugby for a living and as a career was a gift.
“From Welford Road to the Cardiff Arms Park, I can honestly say that I poured everything I had into each jersey I wore, beyond proud to wear the badge for both Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues.
“My only goal was to be the best I could, compete with the top players in the world and positively impact the teams I was on. To the people of both clubs, you honoured and humbled me when you accepted me as your own, making my wife and I feel like we were never far from home.
“To Leicester & Cardiff - I’ve always believed that all a good man needs is a chance. Thank you for the opportunity to play professional rugby and a special mention to all of the supporters who never stopped chanting ‘USA.’”
Everyone at Cardiff Blues wish Blaine, Shannon and Sadie the very best for the next chapter. USA! USA! USA!